Real Estate Blog - Charles Kotting

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – 805 Three Mile Drive

Last week we concluded our presentation of historic elementary schools in Grosse Pointe with a visit to Stevens T. Mason Elementary. The building was completed in 1928-1929, having been designed by renowned architect George J. Haas. The school cost around $339,469 to build, close to $5.8m today. At the time of completion, it was described as “one of the largest rural schools in the country.” 

This week we head to Grosse Pointe Park, to the prestigious street of Three Mile Drive to explore 805 Three Mile Drive, an English Tudor style home built in 1917-1919. The residence was designed by renowned Detroit architect Charles Kotting for Dr. B. Raymond Hoobler, a respected Detroit pediatrician, and his wife Madge (Sibley) Hoobler.

Tudor style homes…

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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 725 Grand Marais

Last week we presented 333 Lincoln. Completed in 1918, the magnificent English Tudor style home was designed by George W. Graves for Fanny Judson (Knight) Butler, widow of William Addison Butler Jr. It is one of three impressive residences Graves designed on this noted street. 

This week we visit another standout property – 725 Grand Marais. Distinguished architect Charles Kotting designed it in 1926, for Earle Walter Parcells. 

The street of Grand Marais, in Grosse Pointe Park, has many significant homes in numerous architectural approaches that were created by some of Detroit’s finest designers during the 1920’s and 1930’s. The first property to be built was 732 Grand Marais, completed in 1921. 725 Grand Marais (original address 825 Grand…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Welcome to 281 University

Last week we explored 849 Balfour. J. Ivan Dise completed the 4,326 sq ft Tudor revival home, in 1923, for Bertrand C. Spitzley, president of the Houseman-Spitzley Corporation, and one of Detroit’s more prominent, and successful realtors.

This week we head to the superb formal residence of 281 University Place, completed in 1918, by Charles Kotting, for Harold Palmer.

281 University is one of the grand manor houses of Grosse Pointe. The formal Georgian property is constructed of brick. The exterior features large arched windows on the first floor, and exquisite limestone detailing - around the windows, the lintels (above the front door), and the quoins on the corners of the home. The walls, in the 8,800 sq ft residence, are believed to be 18”…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Revealed – 43 McKinley

Arguably one of the most recognizable homes in Grosse Pointe Farms is 43 McKinley Place. For many years the house, situated on the corner of Grosse Pointe Blvd and McKinley Place, has only been visible through the ivy that covered the front and side elevations.

For those of you who regularly pass this residence you may have noticed the ivy has now gone and the home has been revealed – it is time to share the tale of this most recognizable property.

43 McKinley was designed by Alphus Chittenden and Charles Kotting for Dr. Ernest T. Tappey in 1905.

The Detroit based firm of Chittenden and Kotting was founded in1903. During their 13 years together Chittenden and Kotting created several ‘landmark’ buildings in Detroit including the Detroit…

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