Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe –Bedford Road

Last week we explored some of Grosse Pointe’s carriage houses that were part of the many grand estates built during the early twentieth century. Designed by some of Detroit’s leading architects they had (and have) unique architectural charm and historic significance.

This week we head to one of the most architecturally interesting streets in Grosse Pointe Park, Bedford Road. In Part 1 of the two-part series, we are going to review the range of architectural styles that can be found on this captivating street, with just some of the homes built in and around the 1920’s on the John H. Tigchon’s subdivision.

Many of the houses in Grosse Pointe Park were built during the 1920’ and 1930’s, during a period of growth and architectural transformation in the area. These homes were created for high-flying executives looking to relocate their families to what was the flourishing community of Grosse Pointe Park. By the 1940’s the Park had an abundance of architecturally significant homes, located on many prestigious streets, including: Bishop, Kensington, Yorkshire, Three Mile Drive, Berkshire, Balfour, Middlesex, Westchester, and Bedford (to name but a few).

Bedford has many appealing houses for us to profile. Some of these residences are of interest because they were created by noted designers including John C. Stahl, J. Ivan Dise, Robert Calder, Herman & Simmons, Cox and Baker, Walter Mast, Leaonard Willeke, and William Kuni, while others have architectural features that are unique to the area. While the designers who created them are not household names, these architects made a difference to the architectural scene across Metro Detroit. They worked diligently throughout the area, creating houses that not only left a mark on the communities, but helped evolve the style of homes that were constructed over a period of several decades.

1006 Bedford - 1919

One of the earliest homes constructed was number 1006. It was designed by John C. Stahl who designed at least two homes on Bedford – 1006 and 729.Stahl (in collaboration with Donald L. Kinsey) designed 1006 Bedford in 1919, for one of Detroit’s most prominent realtors, John H. Tigchon and his family. The home was one of only a few homes in Grosse Pointe to be designed by this architectural firm. Very little is known about Donald Kinsey, however John C. Stahl was recognized as one of the most skilled church and school architects in the state.

This Colonial style 4,000 sq ft home is constructed from brick with a slate roof. It has a classic oversized entrance associated with this architectural style, which is flanked by a row of two columns either side of the door, supporting a roof above the entrance. At the time of completion, the house was featured in an edition of Michigan Architect and Engineer as depicted by the black and white image below.

810 Bedford – 1924

This unusual English Cottage style home called “The Gables” was built for G. Edwin Chamberlin, a Detroit Realtor. When it was completed, it was reported the roof was in four colors and carried 36,000 shingles. Source: Detroit Free Press (July 1924). Image courtesy of: GoogleEarth

817 Bedford 1924

Designed by the firm of Herman & Simons, the duo was noted for their design of churches, banks, and schools in southeastern Michigan. We understand they also designed multiple homes in Indian Village and throughout the Grosse Pointe communities from the early 1920’s through to the mid 1930’s

1390 Bedford – 1925

This is a striking Tudor style home, built by Alphonse DePaepe. While not a household name Alphonse DePaepe was a prolific builder of fine homes in the Grosse Pointe’s. It has been suggested he built over 70 homes in the community.

796 Bedford – 1925

Another striking home designed by the firm of Herman & Simons.

1060 Bedford - 1925

William Kuni, an active architect in Grosse Pointe, designed 1060 Bedford in 1925 – also for the realtor John H. Tigchon. This exquisite home has some stunning features, including tall leaded glass windows on the first floor, an arched ceiling in the den, and a barrel ceiling in the breakfast room.

797 Bedford – 1926

Arguably one of the more uniquely styled homes in Grosse Pointe Park, this incredibly interesting residence was designed by Ralph Baker. Aside from its range of geometric shapes the house has a steep shingle thatched roof. Color image courtesy of: GoogleEarth.

Shingle thatch roofs trended during the early 1900s. The technique was known as shingle thatch, cottage thatch and/or thatch-effect. It relies on using cedar shingles to recreate the texture and look of a reed-thatched roof, made more realistic by steam-bent shingles along roof edges, curved framing members, and undulating shingle courses. In terms of the technique, finehomebuilding.com explains, ‘by bending shingles around eaves and gables and by curving course lines and changing exposures, craftsmen simulated the look of real thatch. Many of these old roofs have eyebrow dormers, with the shingle courses undulating gracefully over the curved framing’. Shingle thatch roofs were pitched steeply to show off the wave coursing. There are several fine examples around the Grosse Pointes, including 470 Washington and 1023 Bishop.

762 Bedford – 1926

The property is constructed from solid masonry with stucco exterior walls, stone trim, a red tile roof, and multiple tall arched windows. These traits were a defining feature of many Mediterranean homes around the Grosse Pointe communities and throughout the United States during the 1920s and 1930’s when the style was at its peak of popularity. Houses were created to emulate the feeling of being in a luxurious Villa. The Mediterranean approach is a unique style, many of the interiors are based on a rectangular floor plan and feature tall arched windows and doorways, wrought iron balconies, high ceilings, heavy use of wood, and patterned tiled floors.