Last week we explored 40 Sunningdale, designed by Canadian born architect Edmund Primeau who created numerous homes in Grosse Pointe in varying architectural styles, primarily during the 1940’s and 1950’s, including 464 Chalfonte in 1948.
This week we continue with the work of lesser-known architects as we present the work of Arthur Schmidt. During the 1950’s he designed several large stores for Jacobson’s - a regional upscale department store chain who primarily operated in Michigan and Florida, along with at least three homes in Grosse Pointe, one of which was his own residence.
Arthur Otto August Schmidt may not be a house-hold name, but he made an important contribution to evolving the architectural scene in Metro Detroit. He was born on November 19, 1909, in Detroit and graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in architecture in 1933. During this time, he reportedly studied under the noted architect Eliel Saarinen at Cranbrook. It appears he then worked for firms in Chicago and Detroit before opening his own architectural and interior design firm, Arthur O. A. Schmidt & Associates, in 1943, with an office in the Buhl building downtown. His office included a second architect (Raoul R. Hubel), a store planner (John D. Telfer), and a color stylist (Mary M. Ehrlich). Image courtesy of: Michigan Society of Architects magazine (April 1957).
It is apparent Arthur Schmidt was particularly successful during the mid-20th century, with some of his work documented by local architectural historians. The firm primarily created commercial buildings in Metro Detroit, Flint and Ann Arbor that centered on a Mid-Century Modern approach. While many of the projects were in Michigan, Arthur O. A. Schmidt & Associates, were hired to work on commissions in other states. Some of the firms most prestigious projects centered on designing department stores for Jacobson’s, a chain based in Jackson, Michigan, who focused on apparel, fine jewelry and home furnishings. Some of the stores Schmidt designed for the firm were in Birmingham, Saginaw, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, along with the Jacobson’s Home Decorative Shop in Grosse Pointe. Images courtesy of: Michigan Society of Architects magazine (April 1957).
Schmidt was also responsible for several other commercial buildings in Grosse Pointe including the Chet Sampson Travel Bureau on The Hill, along with the D. J. Healy and the S. Stein & Co. shops in the Village. In Detroit he worked on numerous projects including a shop for Hiller’s, a sales room for Riley Motor Sales, plus designs for a proposed regional shopping center, and a factory building in the City. Outside of Michigan, in West Virginia the firm worked on alterations for existing department store buildings for the Style Shop, Broida’s, along with a building for The Preis Store in Ohio. Images courtesy of: Michigan Society of Architects magazine (April 1957).
When not working on commercial projects he created several fine residences in Bloomfield Hills and Grosse Pointe including
372 Chalfonte – 1948
This fine Mid-Century Modern Ranch was completed in 1948 for Hugh Gorey. The house was featured in Michigan Society of Architects magazine (April 1957). Hugh Gorey was owner of the Gorey Buick Company, served as chairman of the Detroit Auto Show in 1955, and was president of the Buick Dealers in the Detroit Area.
11 Provencal – 1952
This Colonial style home was created for Mr. & Mrs. Lee K. Silloway - a real estate executive and president of Silloway and Co. During his career, he was in the sale, lease and management of major real properties throughout Metro Detroit. Images courtesy of: Michigan Society of Architects magazine (April 1957).
29 Lakecrest - 1956
This unique multi-level home was Schmidt’s own residence, created in a Mid-Century Modern architectural style. Several key characteristics displayed in this house include clean lines and simple forms, floor-to-ceiling windows, and minimal decorative elements. Prior to moving to his new home, Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt resided on Fisher Road. Images courtesy of: Michigan Society of Architects magazine (April 1957).
Arthur Schmidt was married to his wife Dorothy for 62 years. Together they had two children. It is reported he owned Arthur O. A. Schmidt & Associates until he retired in 1975, after which he became a consultant for Jacobson’s after he retired. Mr. Schmidt passed on June 20, 1997, at his home in Harrison Township. Although not a huge amount is known about Mr. Schmidt it is evident he worked on multiple projects for Jacobson’s and was a fine exponent of the Midcentury modern approach in both commercial buildings and residences during his career.
* 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 © 2025 Higbie Maxon Agney & Katie Doelle
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