Real Estate Blog - Architecture of Grosse Pointe

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – 910 Edgemont Park

Last week we concluded our series on architect Leonard B. WIlleke with a look at the speculative homes he created in the community from the 1920’s – through to the 1940’s. Willeke’s spec homes varied in size and many were grand affairs. He was one of the most prolific architects in this sector, during a period of 20 years he built over 10 spec homes in Grosse Pointe.

This week we present the story of one of Grosse Pointe’s lost estates – 910 Edgemont – a once beautiful Italian Renaissance Revival style home completed in 1925, allegedly for Walter & Edith Scotten. Our files list the architect as George V. Pottle; however, this has not been verified by blueprints. George Pottle was associated, amongst other things, with creating industrial buildings,…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Willeke Speculative Homes

Last week we continued our three-part series on the work of renowned Grosse Pointe architect, Leonard B. Willeke. Part 2 covered 1010 Three Mile Dr, a large Tudor residence and garden completed in 1927, for William August Petzold, vice president and treasurer of J.L Hudson Company.

This week we conclude our series with a look at the speculative homes Leonard Willeke created in the community from the 1920’s – through to the 1940’s. The definition of a speculative house is - ‘a residence built without a particular buyer in mind or under contract but designed to appeal to the maximum market possible’.

During the 1920’s numerous noted designers designed and built speculative homes in the community. The homes varied in size, and many were grand…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – 1010 Three Mile Drive

Last week we began a three-part series on the work of renowned Grosse Pointe architect, Leonard B. Willeke. Part 1, 745 Balfour began as a collaborative project between Detroit architects J. Ivan Dise and Clair W. Ditchy. However, Willeke wound up completing it in 1927. Willeke also designed the garage, carriage house, the 684 sq ft greenhouse, and the stunning gardens at the residence.

This week we continue the series as we head to 1010 Three Mile Dr, a large Tudor residence and garden completed in 1927, for William August Petzold, vice president and treasurer of J.L Hudson Company.

First, let’s begin in 1921, Leonard Willeke had embarked on a ten-year project for Oscar Webber, president of J. L. Hudson Company. 22 Webber Place (original…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – 745 Balfour

Last week we presented the history of the Neighborhood Club. The origins of the club date to 1911, when some of the most prominent women in Grosse Pointe met to “talk things over”, to establish an organization that would meet the recreational, educational, and social service needs of families in the area. Its new community center opened in 1929 - one of the finest social centers of the country. 

This week we return to residential architecture as we begin a three-part series on the work of renowned Grosse Pointe architect, Leonard B. Willeke. We recently presented the life and work of this incredible designer as part of the Higbie Maxon Agney Lecture series. Willeke’s story continues with several projects we have yet to feature in depth, starting…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Neighborhood Club

Last week we presented the story of Cottage Hospital which officially opened November 6, 1928. Located at 159 Kercheval, it was designed by the noted Boston firm of Stevens & Lee, to create a “modern institution in every way.” The original Cottage Hospital was located on Oak Street (now Muir Road) and opened in 1919.

This week we cover the history of the Neighborhood Club. We briefly mentioned the organization last week when we explained its involvement in the health care of residents of Grosse Pointe Township during the 1918 Spanish influenza epidemic. However, the origins of the club date to 1911, when a group of women met to “talk things over”, to establish an organization that would meet the recreational, educational, and social service needs…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Cottage Hospital

Last week we presented the story of one of the prominent building companies to work in Grosse Pointe and Metro Detroit during the late 1920’s– the Corrick Brothers. While the Corrick Brothers may not be a household name, the company constructed several significant buildings in Grosse Pointe 

This week we continue with the work of the Corrick Brothers as we profile another of their significant projects, Cottage Hospital, built in 1927-1928. The hospital, located at 159 Kercheval, was designed by the noted Boston firm of Stevens & Lee, to create a “modern institution in every way.” Image courtesy of The Village of Grosse Pointe Shores. By Arthur M. Woodford. 

The original Cottage Hospital was located in one of the small cottages on Oak Street,…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – The Corrick Brothers

Last week we presented 583 Lincoln, a classically styled Colonial Revival home, designed, and built by the noted partnership of Hancock and Butler in 1929. The firm is dear to our hearts - they designed our office, 83 Kercheval, in 1939, which became the home of the Maxon Brothers Real Estate Company. 

This week we are going to tell the story of one of the prominent building companies to work in Grosse Pointe and Metro Detroit during the late 1920’s– the Corrick Brothers. We recently mentioned the Corrick Brothers Company during our coverage of the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club. While the Corrick Brothers may not be a household name, the company constructed several significant buildings in Grosse Pointe -

• Grosse Pointe Memorial Church: 1923 – 1925…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Welcome to 583 Lincoln

Last week we concluded our exploration of the private clubs in Grosse Pointe with a presentation on the Country Club of Detroit. The current building was designed by the prestigious Detroit firm of Smith, Hinchmann, and Grylls. It opened in 1927. Today it remains a pillar of the community.

This week we returned to residential architecture as we pay a visit to 583 Lincoln, designed and built by the noted firm of James E. Hancock and Charles M. Butler in 1929. From 1928 through to 1931 the partnership of Hancock and Butler created several classically styled homes on prominent streets in Grosse Pointe.

A fine example is 583 Lincoln, a center entrance Colonial Revival home. Constructed from brick the front elevation of the 2,700 sq ft residence…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – The Country Club of Detroit

Last week we concluded our two-part feature on the Grosse Pointe Yacht with a presentation on the design of the club house, from the ornate exterior to the splendid Italian influenced interior. Upon completion on July 4, 1929, it was one of the finest yacht clubs in America.

This week we bring our exploration of Grosse Pointe Clubs to a close as we focus on the Country Club of Detroit. The current building was designed by the prestigious Detroit firm of Smith, Hinchmann, and Grylls. It opened in 1927.

Prior to the completion of the new clubhouse the history of the Country Club of Detroit (CCD) dates to 1886, when the original building was completed. The club hired architect William E. Brown to design a clubhouse that would be situated on the…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Grosse Pointe Yacht Club, Part 2

Last week we began our two-part feature on The Grosse Pointe Yacht. Part one focused on when the club was formed, the architect, and the costs associated with building the clubhouse. This week, we present the design of the club house, from the ornate exterior to the splendid Italian influenced interior.

As previously reported, the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club officially opened on July 4, 1929. The design for the clubhouse was started by renowned east coast architect Guy Lowell. However, after his untimely death, just 18 days after submitting initial sketches, the design was completed by two of Lowell’s senior associates Ralph Coolidge Henry and Henry P. Richmond. It is reported members of the club wanted a building that would be grander than anything…

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