Last week we introduced the new 237 Lake Shore. Completed in 1967, is one of the finest homes in Grosse Pointe. Located on part of the site of the former David C. Whitney estate, “Ridgemont”, the new residence is a key property in the modern-day grand estates of Grosse Pointe.
A few weeks ago, we began introducing the work of some extremely talented, yet lesser-known designers/builders who worked throughout Metro Detroit during the 1920’s – 1930’s. This week we continue with the series as we introduce some of the houses built by Emil Schultz.
It is believed Emil Schultz was born in Detroit on 13 September 1904. During a career that spanned four decades Schultz built some fine homes in the community in conjunction with several noted architects. It appears two of his earliest projects in Grosse Pointe came in the 1920’s, with two Colonial style homes in Grosse Pointe City -
- 643 Rivard (1926)
- 933 Washington (1927)
643 Rivard is one of several excellent examples of Clapboard Colonial style homes that were built on Rivard before 1930. 643 Rivard is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year!
933 Washington is a striking Dutch Colonial style home.
As you will see, both these properties are very different to the three homes Schultz worked on in Grosse Pointe Park, which he was hired to build during the 1930’s -
- 719 Berkshire (1937) – architect Omer C. Bouschor – created for Emil Schultz
- 838 Berkshire (1936) – architect Omer C. Bouschor – created for Harvey Harper
- 787 Berkshire (1937) – architect Henrik Kohner – created for Edward Schultz
The architect Omer Bouschor was born on 30 October 1902, in Thompson, MI. It is understood he worked in several communities including Grosse Pointe, Ann Arbor, Lansing, Flint, and Saginaw. During the 1930’s Boushor was heavily influenced by the Tudor revival style, which lead him to create around 14 Tudor homes in the community, including 719 Berkshire, which was Emil Schultz’s own home. You can read two-part story of Omer Bouschor here and here.
838 Berkshire was one of Boushor’s French Colonial styled homes that he created during the 1930’s – a rare design given that he was predominantly creating Tudor homes during this era. It is beautifully proportioned in every way and is arguably one of the finest examples of this architectural approach in Grosse Pointe Park.
787 Berkshire was built by Emil Schultz presumably as a spec home. The house had tremendous detail throughout, including a mahogany banister, a stunning foyer and landing with a huge leaded and stained-glass window. The recreation room with its “English Pub” had a beamed ceiling, while there was a vaulted ceiling in the main bedroom. The architect was Henrik Kohner, who was born in Turessar-Gyarniata, Hungary in 1884. It is understood he relocated to the United States in 1903, and moved to Detroit around 1912, where he would open his own office.
It appears Emil Schultz owned the property for a short time – he listed it for sale in October 1937 for $35,600 (around $828,500 today). At some point it was purchased by Roy Dossin whose daughter Dolores married Emil’s son, Robert in January 1941.
During the early 1950’s it appears Emil Schultz was responsible for developing at least three subdivisions in Grosse Pointe Woods – E Kings Court, W Kings Court, and Pear Tree Lane (in 1950-51).
Emil Schultz passed on 26 December 1965. In presenting the work of these unsung builders and designers who worked in Grosse Pointe during the first half of the 20th century, it ensures the less prominent, yet equally stunning homes, have a chance to showcase their stories. And in some way shape or form every home in Grosse Pointe has an interesting tale to tell.
* 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
Posted by Kay Agney on
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