Last week we presented the history of 1024 Buckingham, a brick built Colonial, completed in 1941 for Miles O’Brien. It was designed by John W. Detwiler and built by the Burton Brothers Construction Company.
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 more of the homes designed and/or built by the Burton Brothers Construction Company.
The Burton Brothers Construction Company (BBCC) was founded around 1922. It is understood the firm originally began as a custom home builder. As the company grew, so did its reputation, they were hired to design and/or construct fine homes in the affluent neighborhoods of Metro Detroit, including Birmingham, Sherwood Forest, Palmer Woods. It appears in most cases the company designed the home as well as building it, but on occasion they worked in conjunction with an architect such as Richard Marr, H. Sanborn Brown, and John W. Detwiler.
Much of their work in Grosse Pointe was in the Park, most of which were speculative homes. The definition of a speculative house is - ‘a residence built without a particular buyer in mind or under contract but designed to appeal to the maximum market possible’. During the 1920’s numerous noted designers created homes in the community. The homes varied in size, and many were grand affairs. It was quite common for the builder to then sell the home themselves, some of which were advertised in the Detroit Free Press.
The following homes are just some of the residences the Burton Brothers Construction Company designed and/or built in Grosse Pointe.
1324 Grayton – 1924 - Designed and built by the Burton Construction Company.
It appears 1324 Grayton was one of the companies’ earliest projects in Grosse Pointe. Image courtesy of: GoogleEarth
1027 Bishop – 1927 - Designed and built by the Burton Construction Company.
1144 Berkshire - 1927- Designed and built by the Burton Construction Company.
1011 Buckingham - 1928 - Designed and built by the Burton Construction Company.
The next three homes all have a large dominant triangular section on the front elevation with distinctive brickwork – they are all very striking.
1169 Berkshire – 1928 - 1924 - Designed and built by the Burton Construction Company. Image courtesy of: Realtor.com
1029 Kensington – 1929 - Designed and built by the Burton Construction Company.
1040 Kensington – 1929 - Designed and built by the Burton Construction Company.
1119 Devonshire – 1930 - Designed and built by the Burton Construction Company.
This handsome Tudor home appeared in the Detroit Free Press (June 1931). It was part of several homes that was featured under the heading “Building Trade Here Sees New Trend in Home Styles”. This 5-bed home was “priced for a quick sale”. The interior had oak paneling in the dining room, wood floors throughout and an abundance of fine architectural details. It was sold by (BBCC) in October 1931.
630 Washington – 1930 - Designed and built by the Burton Construction Company. Ad from: Detroit Free Press (March 1931).
1024 Buckingham – 1936 - Designed by John W. Detwiler, built by the Burton Construction Company.
1024 Buckingham, commissioned by Miles O’Brien, was started in 1937 but not finished until 1941. Given who designed the house and the company that built it, the house was of the upmost quality - most unusual for a home of this age it was built with full insulation (including rock wool in the walls).
The following four homes were a collaboration between the architect H. Sanborn Brown, and the Burton Construction Company. Once again, it is believed these were all spec homes.
308 Touraine (the original address was 198 Touraine) – 1938 - Designed by H. Sanborn Brown, built by the Burton Construction Company.
The 3,448 sq ft, four-bedroom Early American style residence. Based on our files it appears the Burton Brothers listed the home for sale, in 1938, for $27,500 (around $503,000 today).
307 Touraine(the original address was 198 Touraine) – 1939 - Designed by H. Sanborn Brown, built by the Burton Construction Company.
In 1939, H. Sanborn Brown completed 307 Touraine, a 3,444 sq ft traditional center entrance Colonial style home - an incredibly popular approach in Grosse Pointe during this era. This property was another speculative home, built by the Burton Brothers Construction Company.
792 Whittier - 1939 - Designed by H. Sanborn Brown, built by the Burton Construction Company.
H. Sanford Brown’s collaboration with the Burton Brothers continued, with the completion of 74 Oxford, a 4,630 sq ft French inspired residence completed in 1940.
It is understood the Burton Brothers Construction Company was most active during the 1920’s through to the 1940’s. 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 every home in Grosse Pointe has an interesting story 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
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