Real Estate Blog - Alpheus Chittenden

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – 15520 Windmill Pointe

Posted by Kay Agney on January 3rd, 2024

Happy 2024!

In the last post of 2023, we visited the Mid-Century Modern “Holiday Houses” on Shelborne in Grosse Pointe Farms. The Ranch style homes were designed by William F. Baker and built by Cox & Baker during the 1950’s and 60’s, a significant period in modern home design. The “Holiday House” event was held annually in the fall.

For our first post of the new year, we are going to stop by arguably one of the most prestigious homes in the Grosse Pointe communities – 15520 Windmill Pointe, designed by Alpheus W. Chittenden in 1903.

Aside from being a beautiful Georgian Revival Mansion this home is particularly special given that it was originally located at 8192 East Jefferson Avenue, on the river in the prestigious community of Indian…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Welcome to 12 Rathbone Place

Posted by Kay Agney on January 19th, 2021

Last week we presented another majestic home designed by Raymond Carey – 338 Provencal. The 10,304 sq ft English Tudor Manor was completed in 1928, for Howard F. Smith, VP of the Canada and Dominion Sugar Company in Ontario.

This week we head to a splendid property, 12 Rathbone Place (original address 17400 E. Jefferson). Alpheus Chittenden completed the English Manor home in 1909, for John Gaine Rumney and his wife Mary Elizabeth (Pittman).

John G. Rumney, a prominent Detroiter, was born in Detroit, 1850. He began his career as a salesman for Ducharme, Fletcher & Company - dealers in wholesale hardware. He then took the position of treasurer at the Hart Manufacturing Company, a position he held for eight years. In 1888, he relocated to Helena,…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Relocated - Part 1

Posted by Kay Agney on June 16th, 2020

Last week we went to Lincoln Road to review three superb properties designed by George W. Graves.  Located on the same block between Maumee and Jefferson, they were completed between 1910 and 1918, in Georgian, Colonial, and English Tudor styles. 

Over the next couple of weeks we would like to present the story of four homes that have been relocated. These homes vary in size, and all four were relocated prior to 1930 - from just around the corner to several miles away - an incredible undertaking both logistically and architecturally. This week, in part 1, we focus on two grand properties that were once neighboring residences next to the river in Indian Village.

15520 Windmill Pointe – Relocated from 8192 East Jefferson Avenue
In 1903, John B.…

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