Last week we covered the Tudor work of Omer C. Bouschor. During his career, this Detroit based architect created well over 29 homes in the community – more than many other architects.
The architectural style(s) that influenced Omer C. Bouschor’s homes in Grosse Pointe could be described as being defined by two very distinctive approaches. From the residences, we have presented there is a distinct shift from his Tudor Revival homes of the 1930’s, through to the modern colonial homes he created between 1935 and 1954.
This week we explore the 15 modern colonial homes he created across the Grosse Pointe communities. Given that Bouschor’s 14 Tudor inspired homes (during the 1930’s) are clearly the work of a man who was adept at one particular architectural style, it is incredible to think he could so seamlessly transition into designing handsome colonial homes.
Having worked primarily in Grosse Pointe Park during the 1930’s Bouschor, in the 1940’s, began to work on the Farms and the Shores. From the list below you will see just how many superb homes he created during this period.
1935
113 Merriweather
This is one of the earlier homes to display a change in style to his modern colonial approach. Constructed from brick, with a clapboard front on the second floor, this 3,500 sq ft home is poles apart from the Tudor homes he was predominantly creating during the 1930’s, and was possibly his first project in Grosse Pointe Farms.
113 Merriweather
1936
15127 Windmill Pointe Drive
15127 Windmill Pointe Drive – Courtesy of Realtor.com
1939
759 Berkshire
759 Berkshire
1117 Bishop
1117 Bishop – Courtesy of Realtor.com
505 Middlesex
1940
103 Vendome
103 Vendome
715 Trombley
This 3,790 sq ft house is very different from his other modern colonial homes of this era. This architectural style has strong influences from the early modern approach. As you will see from the photo’s below this house, over the years, has undergone a significant transformation.
715 Trombley
715 Trombley – Courtesy of Google.com
825 Park Lane
825 Park Lane
1941
15701 Windmill Pointe Drive
400 Washington
A classically designed 2,600 sq ft symmetrical central entrance colonial home. This was an exceedingly popular style throughout Grosse Pointe during this era, and this is a superb example of this approach.
400 Washington
655 Balfour
Unlike many colonial homes, this house has an asymmetrical layout. The residence has a large foyer (17’ x 11’ sq ft) a wood paneled library, elevator and a pub style room in the basement.
655 Balfour
1948
55 Renaud
55 Renaud
1950
67 Sunningdale
67 Sunningdale
1951
26 Harbor Hill
One of Bouschor’s later designs, this is a gracious colonial home with a central entrance and a two story foyer. Constructed from brick this 3,877 sq ft home features a sweeping staircase, a servant’s wing over the garage, and a large Palladian window on the second floor above the main entrance.
26 Harbor Hill – Courtesy of Realtor.com
1954
44 Newberry Place
This is possibly the last home he created in Grosse Pointe. Designed in the Cape Cod style this home is 3,196 sq ft constructed from brick, and is a significant departure from his modern colonial projects. The front elevation is symmetrical, while the dormers on the second floor give this home a lot of charm.
44 Newberry Place
The work of Omer C. Bouschor is very interesting indeed. Once you start to analyze the homes he designed, the Tudor homes, in particular, are incredibly distinctive. It took many years for people to recognize Leonard B Willeke’s contribution to the community, lets hope, over the coming years Omer C. Bouschor will receive the same level of acknowledgement as Willeke.
Over the coming weeks, we will continue our exploration of these equally prolific, highly skilled yet lesser known architects – there are quite a few.
Written by Katie Doelle
Copyright © 2016 Higbie Maxon Agney
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