Real Estate Blog - Architecture of Grosse Pointe

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Lochmoor Golf Course

Last week we presented the story of the original clubhouse at Lochmoor Club. It was designed by William B. Stratton and Dalton J. Snyder, and completed in 1917-1918. It was demolished in 1924, because of a fire and a new clubhouse was built and opened later that year.

This week we continue the story of Lochmoor as we explore the history of the golf course. In 1917, a group of Detroit golf enthusiasts reportedly purchased 135 acres of farmland for the club to be located. When Lochmoor Club opened for play in June 1918, the club received Certificate No. 173 of Active Membership in the United States Golf Association. That same year the clubhouse was completed. Travis Beaupre, John H. Sweeny and the consulting architect Walter J. Travis (three-time…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Lochmoor Club - The Original Clubhouse

Last week we presented 938 Three Mile Drive the former home of prominent Detroit architect William Buck Stratton and his wife Mary Chase Perry Stratton, co-founder of the Pewabic Pottery. 

This week we stay with the work of William B. Stratton to focus on his design for Lochmoor Club, completed between 1917-18. At the time Stratton had formed a partnership with Dalton J. Snyder. The duo worked together from 1915 – 1925, and completed several homes in Grosse Pointe, including 365 University Place, 341 Lakeland, and 15366 Windmill Pointe. 

Dalton J. Snyder, born in 1880, was an extremely talented designer and had a productive career. His work covered a broad-spectrum of projects, including several prestigious residences, in Grosse Pointe and…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Welcome to 938 Three Mile Drive

Last week we explored 16628 E. Jefferson – the sublime French Normandy style home completed in 1927, for Julian P. Bowen. The 8,974 sq ft home is arguably Wallace Frost’s most noted work in Grosse Pointe

This week we head to Three Mile Drive to take a look at number 938 - the former home of prominent Detroit architect William B. Stratton and his wife Mary Chase Perry Stratton, co-founder of the Pewabic Pottery. 

William B. Stratton was one of the most influential architects in Detroit during the early 20th Century. He worked with some of the best designers in the city and often played a big part in influencing trends. It is believed William Buck Stratton first appeared in the Detroit City directory in 1889, while he was working as a draughtsman…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Welcome to 16628 E. Jefferson

Last week we presented 70 Lake Shore a striking English Tudor inspired home built in 1908. 70 Lake Shore was sold for the final time in 1988. It was demolished in the early 1990’s and the land listed for sale. 

This week we stay next to the lake as we head to 16628 E. Jefferson – the sublime French Normandy style home completed in 1927, for Julian P. Bowen. The 8,974 sq ft home is arguably Wallace Frost’s most noted work in Grosse Pointe. 

16628 E, Jefferson is a spectacular home with a wonderful view of Lake St. Clair from the house, and from the English inspired sunken gardens.  Constructed of brick, with stucco and a steep slate roof, the front elevation is dominated by the two-story tower with its conical roof that is positioned in the…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – The Lost Homes of Chittenden and Kotting

Last week we explored 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). 

This week we stay with the work of Alpheus Chittenden as we explore some of the projects he completed with Charles Kotting – the homes that have been lost over time.

Chittenden and Kotting first began working together in 1903.Both men, in their own right, had reputations as incredibly skilled designers. Alpheus Chittenden is credited with designing the Detroit Boat Club on Belle Isle, and the Detroit Stove Works plant, along with many prestigious residential projects in and around Metro Detroit. Charles Kotting created over 100 structures in Metro…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Welcome to 12 Rathbone Place

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 – Welcome 338 Provencal

Last week we introduced you to some of the homes that were owned by the well-known Holley family. At one point in time George Malvin Holley Sr. owned five homes in Grosse Pointe, two of which were designed by well-respected English architect Raymond Carey. 

This week we stay on Provencal to present another majestic home designed by Raymond Carey – welcome to 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. 

338 Provencal it is an exquisite stone Tudor residence with all the hallmarks of an English estate. The asymmetric design has elegant limestone detailing around the large bay windows on the first floor, along with a striking slate roof – a…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Welcome to the Holley Family

Happy 2021!

In our last post we presented the Mid-Century Modern model ‘Holiday Homes’ that were designed by William F. Baker, and built by Cox & Baker, during the 1950’s and 60’s. At least seven ‘Holiday Homes’, held annually, were built and introduced to the Grosse Pointes between 1951 and 1962. 

This week we are going to introduce you to some of the homes that were owned by the well-known Holley family. At one time George Malvin Holley Sr. owned five homes in Grosse Pointe, two of which were designed by well-respected English architect Raymond Carey.

The Holley’s were a prominent family in Detroit during the first half of the 20th century. The head of the family was George M. Holley Sr., born in Port Jervis, New York in 1878. Having…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Welcome to the Cox & Baker Holiday Homes

Last week we concluded our series on Beverly Road with a review of the residences on the west side of the street - the odd numbered homes: 23 through 45 - built between 1920 and 1936. 

This week we would like to present the Mid-Century Modern model ‘Holiday Homes’ that were designed by William F. Baker, and built by Cox & Baker, during the 1950’s and 60’s. At least seven ‘Holiday Homes’ were built and introduced to the Grosse Pointes between 1951 and 1962. Held annually the homes were created to show advance trends in home architecture, interior decoration, better home design, and modern living. Many of the all-equipped kitchen and laundry rooms ‘represented the newest discoveries in work-saving, step-saving appliances by HOTPOINT’. After the homes…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Welcome to Beverly Road – Part 3

Last week, in part 2, we explored residences on the east side of Beverly Road - the even numbered homes: 24 through 44 - the first lots to be sold and developed. 

This week, in the final part of our series on Beverly Road, we head to the residences on the west side of the street - the odd numbered homes: 23 through 45 - built between 1920 and 1936. The modern photo’s below are courtesy of: Katie Doelle. 

23 Beverly Road - completed in 1925
Renowned local architect Robert O. Derrick designed this substantial asymmetrical Neo-Georgian residence. The distinctive dormers in the roof dominate the front elevation of this 5,830 sq ft home. The property was constructed for Edwin Barbour Henry and his wife, Barbara Wick, of Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. Henry…

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