Last week we explored the history of a former grand home in Grosse Pointe, “Ridgemont”, located at 237 Lake Shore. It was designed in 1902 by Rogers & MacFarlane for David C. Whitney and was one of the finest estates ever built in Grosse Pointe. It was razed in 1955.
This week we stay with 237 Lake Shore as we look at the home that was built on part of the land that was once the “Ridgemont” estate. Following the demolition of the original home, in 1955, the land was subdivided. Part of the property was added to an adjoining estate, 241 Lake Shore, which was owned by Ernest Kanzler (an executive turned banker). In 1966, his son Robert Kanzler commissioned a new home on the site which would become the new 237 Lake Shore.
The new 237 Lake Shore was completed in 1967. It is a stunning 11,176 sq ft French Country Manor style home known as “Fox Hill”, located on a 2-acre elevated lot. Our records indicate the house was designed by Jerome R. Cerny of Chicago and built by the renowned builder Hilary Micou, a prolific builder of homes in Grosse Pointe. During a career that spanned three decades Micou built many prestigious homes in the community in conjunction with some incredibly prominent architects. 237 Lake Shore is arguably one of Micou’s finest creations.
It is believed the architect was Jerome R. Cerny who opened his architectural firm in Lake Forest, Illinois in 1929. It was reported “Mr. Cerny specialized in designing luxury homes for influential families in the Chicago area. His practice expanded dramatically in the 1950’s and early 1960’s when his designs began to appear in the national periodicals House and Garden, and Town and Country. At which point he had begun designing homes for nationally recognized people. His French Country style was very popular and was the most frequently requested.” Source: jeromecernyarchitects.com. It is believed 237 Lake Shore was Mr. Cerny’s only project in Grosse Pointe.
The home for Robert Kanzler was an 18 room, two story estate that has 6 full bedrooms. The distinguishing feature of the home is on the rear elevation that has a beautiful two-story window overlooking the lake. Aside from the house the estate also has a greenhouse, a 4-car heated garage, a carriage house, and a large 49’ x 23’ sq ft oval pool (it is unclear if this was a later addition). Color images courtesy of: Realtor.com
The interior is spectacular with random pegged oak floors throughout. As of 1980 (when the home was listed for sale) the main floor had large bay windows, a fully curved free hanging staircase in the two-story foyer, and a step-down living room and library, which is paneled with bookshelves. There is a separate bar room with a sink, ice maker, and a refrigerator. The garden room has a brick floor that opens to a private patio and a private pool area. In the dining room there is a hand painted motif with a cove ceiling, marble floor, and a built-in china cabinet, along with an adjoining screened porch. There is also a pub room with a separate bar area and a beamed ceiling, a fireplace, and a hidden movie screen. Since the house was completed in 1966 the property has undergone several extensive alterations. Images courtesy of: Realtor.com
Over the years 237 Lake Shore has had several prominent owners. It was commissioned by “fund raising expert” and prominent member of society Robert Kanzler. Born in 1932, Mr. Kanzler’s parents were Josephine (Ford) and Ernest Kazler who married in 1917. They were both central figures in early 20th-century Detroit high society and were deeply tied to the Ford Motor Company and the broader auto industry. Robert Kanzler graduated from Yale. From the mid-1950’s to the early `1960’s he worked for Ford in the marketing and public relations departments. Years later, it is reported “he owned a New England commuter airline and administered his family’s investments.” He also served on the board of various non-profit organizations in the city of Detroit. He passed on 29 May 1986 at his winter home in Florida.
In 1981, the property was purchased by Edsel Ford II, who then sold it to Benson Ford in 1995. Auto dealer Kenneth Meade bought the home in 2008, who then sold it in 2015 to arguably the most prominent owner of them all, Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera for $3.2m cash. The property was sold again in 2025.
The new 237 Lake Shore 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 certainly did (and does) justice to the grand home that once graced the land. It is a key property in the modern-day grand estates of Grosse Pointe.
* 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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