Last week we were on University Place exploring the two houses Charles B. CuCharme had commissioned during the early 20th Century – numbers 354 and 365 - two elegant homes one of which was designed by the renowned firm of Stratton and Snyder.
This week we head to the historic street of Rivard to look at three different sets of exquisite, terraced houses designed by the renowned architect D. Allen Wright in 1926.
David Allen Wright was born on July 19, 1886, in Springfield Township, Michigan. During his career he became a noted designer, both locally and nationally. Between 1926 and 1930, many of his creations were mostly large French inspired homes, typically in the Normandy and Provencal style – which provided numerous fine examples of this architectural approach. French style architecture was extremely popular in Grosse Pointe during the 1920’s through to the 1940’s.
Very little information is available about Wright’s career, but we have been able to piece together a brief synopsis. Early on it appears Wright worked for the distinguished architect Alvin E. Harley. During World War I, he stepped away from his career to serve overseas for 17 months with the 107th Engineers, 32nd Division. On his return to the United States, he took up his old position at Harley’s firm, however it’s not clear how long he continued to work for Harley before he set up his own practice. Over the course of his career Wright’s influence and architectural approach changed significantly – evident in the homes he created in Grosse Pointe - designed over a 14-year period. You can read the full story of Wright’s career here and here.
In 1926, Wright designed a series of English styled terraced houses on Rivard.The first set were located on the corner of Rivard and Maumee, the second set were located on the corner of Rivard and Charles, while a third set were located between Jefferson and Maumee.
17431-17449 Maumee/395-405 Rivard
It was reported the Maumee terraces were one of the first new English type terraces to be constructed in Grosse Pointe. Above are shown 9 of the 15 houses that were erected by the Pointe investment company, the other six having already been completed. Designed by Wright and completed in 1926, they were managed by Ruby J. Wilmot of the Dime Bank building. The homes had between 3-5 large bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 maid rooms, and a garage. Source and first image: Detroit Free Press (August 1926)
414-424 Rivard /2-6 Charles
This second set of terraced homes, completed in 1926, were also designed in an English architectural style. Image courtesy of Michigan Architect & Engineer (1926).
325-339 Rivard
These distinctive English-style terraced homes, also completed in 1926, stand mid-block on Rivard between Jefferson and Maumee. It was reported “the group of modern terraces were located on the west side of Rivard, with the architecture following the general idea of the cottages of England and France.” The terraces were managed by a several prominent figures in Grosse Pointe, including Joel Stockard (president), Bernard Stroh (vice president), with Herbert B. Tricks (secretary) and Robert M. Allen (treasurer). The directors, in addition to the officers, included D. Allen Wright himself. Source and first image: Detroit Free Press (July 1926). Michigan Architect & Engineer (1926). Third Image - 339 Rivard. Final images: 325 Rivard.
We are going delve deeper into the history of one of these terraced homes, 325 Rivard. In June 1927, an ad in the Detroit Free Press listed the “beautifully furnished home” as available to rent during the summer months. At the time the English style house had 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, a maids room, and a bath on the third floor.Following the home being available as a rental property for at least two summers, by 1932 it appears the home was owned by James Ruwe. Come 1954, 325 Rivard belonged to James Lyle Blean, who resided there until 1962. Prior to that Mr. and Mrs. Blean were living on Grosse Ile.
James Lyle Blean was born on 17 September 1904, in Erie, Illinois. Having graduated in 1926, from Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois, Mr. Blean moved to Chicago. He married Alice Marie Peterson and they had three children. Mr. Blean had a respectable career, primarily in finance. During the 1930’s he was secretary of Gerity-Adrian, then by 1943 he had been elected secretary and treasurer of Detroit Gray Iron Manufacturing Company. By 1947 he held the position of president of Blean & Company. During the later stages of his career, he was senior associate director of the United Foundation (for 16 years), and vice president of the Metropolitan Detroit Building Fund. After he retired from the United Foundation in 1969, Mr. Blean became a full-time investment consultant. Source: www.wikitree.com Image courtesy of: Detroit Free Press (February 1954).
Alice Blean was a well-known figure in Grosse Pointe, she was a member of Daughters of the British Empire, a trustee of William House, and the organist for Christ Episcopal Church. Mr. and Mrs. Blean listed 325 Rivard for sale in February 1962, it was sold one month later for $31,500 (around $349,000 today). It appears the couple then moved to Grosse Pointe Park. Alice passed in 1966, while James Blean was 89 when he died on 4 Nov 1993. Source: www.wikitree.com
David Allen Wright had a rich and varied career. From master designer of French architecture, designing the terraced homes on Rivard, to creating innovative homes for the future. Given there are very few Terraced homes in Grosse Pointe, these are a rare find and provide a stunning alternative to the thousands of single-family homes that grace the community.
* Photos courtesy of the Higbie Maxon Agney archives unless stated.
** Research, information, and data sources are deemed reliable, but accuracy cannot be fully guaranteed.
*** Content is not generated by AI.
Written by Katie Doelle
Copyright © 2026 Higbie Maxon Agney & Katie Doelle
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