Architects, Palmquist & Wright

Last week we explored 920 Whittier in Grosse Pointe Park, a fine example of an International style home, designed by renowned commercial architect Gaston John Stevens for himself in 1967.

This week we stay with the theme of modern style architecture as we look at the work of a lesser known, yet prominent Detroit based firm Palmquist & Wright who were known for designing Mid-Century Modern style homes, along with creating house plans that were published in books and catalogues.

The firm of Irving E. Palmquist and Clifford N. Wright specialized in functional, stylish residential designs. It is understood they worked extensively with designer/builder Richard B. Pollman. It was Pollman who promoted Palmquist & Wright as the chosen architects for the homes he built and sold – this included numerous advertisements such as the one below (from the Detroit Free Press, September 1951). Many of the ads highlighted the Richard B. Pollman Building Company as having over 400 designs (created by Palmquist & Wright) for his clients to select from that would then be custom built to suit their every need. Another advertisement in 1955 promoted Home No. 449, a convenient split-level home.

Pollman (founder and president) along with his associates Palmquist & Wright also ran a nationally acclaimed company called Home Planners, Inc., which was originally based in Farmington Hills. The company created modern home plans for the average homeowner which were published in books and catalogues between 1950 and 1970. Their extensive collection of Mid-Century Modern home designs included Ranch houses, small homes, and later specialized in designs with, for example, homes for narrow lots and European style homes.The company released hundreds of titles, including numerous publications such as - Homes of Natural Stone (1953), 92 Low-cost Ranch Homes (1955), Home Planners 142 Popular Designs (1960s), 200 Small House Plans, and the Encyclopedia of Home Designs. Pollman and Palmquist are credited with over 2,500 mid-century modern house plans. Images courtesy of: archive.org

Irving Eugene Palmquist was born in Ironwood in 1911. He graduated with a degree in architecture from University of Michigan in 1936. It is understood he served as president of Palmquist & Wright (from 1947—1955), as well as holding the position of vice president of Pollman-Palmquist Builders in Detroit (from 1946—1955). During this time, he along with Wright and Pollman also ran their company, Home Planners Inc. Then, from 1955 – 1972 he worked as an architect for the University of Michigan. Source: midcenturymidland.org. He passed in 1992.

Clifford N. Wright was a graduate of Lawrence Institute of Technology. Aside from running the firm with Palmquist and holding a senior position at Home Planners Inc., Wright also contributed house plan designs to several national magazines, such as House & Garden and Better Homes & Gardens. Source: michiganmodern.org. In 1955, after Wright and Palmquist went their separate ways, Clifford N. Wright formed his own firm, Clifford N. Wright & Associates.

Richard Pollman, the longtime associate and partner of Palmquist & Wright, was born in Kansas in 1914. He graduated from the University of Michigan in 1936 with a degree in architecture. It has been suggested, from the late 1950s through to the 1970s, Mr. Pollman, along with his partner, Irving Palmquist, did much to popularize the mid-century modern house design. He passed in 1980.

Here in Grosse Pointe, it appears the firm of Palmquist & Wright designed at least 3 homes, including

1009 Cadieux – 1951

1265 Harvard – 1954

15451 Windmill Pointe – 1955 for Howard D. Wixon

This contemporary Colonial home overlooks Lake St. Clair. The house has an open floor plan, which includes a huge second floor terrace above the garage that led to the third bedroom. Over the years the property has undergone extensive alterations.

Outside of Grosse Pointe four of Irving Palmquist’s most prominent homes are in Midland

•        6106 Sturgeon Creek Parkway, Midland
•        4212 Orchard, Midland
•        1209 Crestwood Ct, Midland
•        4315 James, Midland

While Palmquist & Wright, along with Richard Pollman may not be household names, they played a significant role in helping Mid Century Modern homes become firmly established in the state of Michigan from the 1950’s through to the 1970’s. Given their extensive collection of house plans, there may be more of their work in Grosse Pointe than we know about.

* Photos courtesy of the Higbie Maxon Agney archives unless stated.

** Research, information, and data sources are deemed reliable, but accuracy cannot be fully guaranteed.

Written by Katie Doelle

Copyright © 2026 Higbie Maxon Agney & Katie Doelle

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