Last week we began a two-part series on the work of Smith, Hinchman, and Grylls (SHG). This esteemed firm created many fine homes in Grosse Pointe over several decades. In part one of the two-part series, we explored three properties they designed between 1909 - 1918 including 35 Fisher, the first telephone exchange for the Home Telephone Co.
This week, in part two, we continue with four more residences, created between 1919 and 1930. All these properties are located on some of the most esteemed streets in Grosse Pointe and were created for noted clientele.
390 Washington – 1919
Designed for Richard Matthew Heames, 390 Washington was created in a Mediterranean style – an approach that was gaining in popularity in Grosse Pointe during this era. The design centers on a square configuration with a low sloped tiled hip roof, large overhanging eaves, along with multiple tall, narrow windows. After Mr. Heames passed (on 20 February 1935), our files state Mrs. Heames owned the property until April 1935, when it was sold to Henry Earle for $19,000 (around $433,000 today).
499 University – 1920
499 University is a stately Georgian home created for David Marshall Whitney, a member of one of Detroit’s most recognized and affluent families. His grandfather was David Whitney Jr. who was one of Michigan's wealthiest citizens, and at one time the wealthiest man in Detroit. It is reported “he was worth more than $15 million at the time of his death in 1900” (around $571 million today). David Whitney Jr. was responsible for creating The Whitney mansion, a 22,000 sq ft, 52 room residence on Woodward Ave. It is now the location of the iconic restaurant.
David’s Jr.’s son was David Charles Whiney. It was his grandson, David Marshal Whitney (born 12 February 1893) who commissioned 499 University Place for himself and his wife Margaret. During his career David M. Whitney was chairman of the board of the Whitney Realty Co., and a former director of the Detroit savings bank. At the time of his death (on 3 September 1965) he and his second wife, Phyllis lived at 544 Washington.
29 Fisher –1925 (conversion of an existing building)
It is reported the residence that is now 29 Fisher was formerly the stables on an estate which was once owned by Matilda Dodge – 17805 E. Jefferson. Mrs. Dodge, the second owner, had purchased the estate from W. Howie Muir, in 1921. It is rumored the stables, on the original Muir estate, had been converted from an existing building (around 1925) by Smith, Hinchman & Grylls for Mrs. Dodge who was an avid rider. Matilda Dodge had previously been associated with SHG when she and her husband, John Francis Dodge, had hired the firm (in 1918) to design what was intended to be the largest residence in the Detroit Area, located at 223 Lake Shore – you can read the full story of 223 Lake Shore by clicking here.
By 1933, the stable (on the former Muir/Dodge property) was owned by Mr. Marion Knight Kellogg. Work began to convert the building from a stable into a “French country home” – a private residence for Mr. Kellogg and his wife Virginia Dryden, whom he had married in 1931. The address then became 29 Fisher Road. It was situated in the center of a magnificent orchard surrounded by an abundance of apple trees that were once part of the original Muir estate. It is reported the rebuild of “The Stable”, as the house would become known, was completed in 1936. The newly converted house was constructed from brick, with a stucco exterior and a wood shingle roof (believed to be the original structure). The Interior featured hardwood floors with a paneled foyer and an oak paneled living room with a natural fireplace. The two-bedroom property had a large master suite along with a smaller bedroom on the first floor. Based on an article in the Detroit Free Press (1942), it was understood the lamp posts, located at the front of the property, were thought to be 125 years old and had been brought to Detroit from Connecticut by Mr. Kellogg. The bottom image is courtesy of the Detroit Free Press, 1942. As for the original estate that was owned by W. Howie Muir, it was demolished and the land sub divided during the 1950’s.
1116 Yorkshire – 1925
Located on one of the most prestigious streets in Grosse Pointe Park, 1116 Yorkshire is an English Country style home. It was designed for Wallace Sutherland MacKenzie and his wife Edna. The interior features a living room with a barrel ceiling, the master suite has a balcony overlooking the garden, while there are oak floors throughout. In June 1954, the garden was part of the Detroit Garden Center’s annual Garden Pilgrimage. Featuring several beautiful gardens throughout Grosse Pointe, the gardens were open to the public for a designated weekend in June. You can read the history of Garden Tours by clicking here.
Mrs. Edna MacKenzie (born in Norwich, Ont. on September 15, 1888), was a “Grosse Pointe Park Socialite” who was a Detroit clubwoman, art patron, and a renowned charity worker. She was member of numerous boards and a member of countless associations. At the time of her death (March 10, 1959), the couple were still living at 1116 Yorkshire. We believe the property was sold by Mr. MacKenzie during the 1960’s. Image courtesy of: GoogleEarth.
During the early twentieth century Smith, Hinchmann, and Grylls created some stunning work. Over the years the company remained true to its design roots, producing classically inspired architecture throughout Metro Detroit. Without them, the architectural scene would be very different today.
If you have a home, building or street you would like us to profile please contact Higbie Maxon Agney – homes@higbiemaxon.com - we will try and feature the property.
* 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
Posted by Kay Agney on
Leave A Comment