Real Estate Blog - Edgemere

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – 50 Lake Shore

Over the last couple of weeks, we have presented the history of 59 Lake Shore and 60 Lake Shore. Both homes were built around the turn of the century and were commissioned by Joseph Berry as wedding gifts for two of his daughters. The houses were located on the eastern end of Mr. Berry’s “Edgemere” estate, located at 50 Lake Shore. Both houses have been razed.

This week we conclude the story of the Joseph Berry homes as we present the history of his own residence, “Edgemere”. Completed in 1882, not only was it one of the first year-round homes to be constructed in Grosse Pointe, but it was arguably one of the communities more significant residences. Prior to its construction Grosse Pointe was primarily known for its summer homes where wealthy…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – 59 Lake Shore

Last week we visited 551 Lake Shore. This modern homewas created by versatile architect Hugh T. Keyes in 1957, for Leo Fiztpatrick, a national figure in radio broadcasting and veteran of both World Wars. The property was the venue for 1980 Designer’s Show House.

This week we travel to the opposite end of Lake Shore Drive to visit 59 Lake Shore in the City of Grosse Pointe. This historic home, designed by the prestigious firm of Mason & Rice, was bult in 1892, by Joseph Berry for his daughter, Charlotte and her husband Henry Sherrard. Image courtesy of Grosse Pointe Historical Society.

59 Lake Shore, the “Henry Sherrard” house is one of theoldest surviving year-round houses in the Grosse Ponte communities. The architectural style has been…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe - The Early Summer Residences of Detroit’s Industrialists

Last week we presented the ‘Lake Terrace’ residences of John S. Newberry Sr. and Senator James McMillan. The two men were pivotal in the industrial growth of Detroit and inspiring the residential transformation of Grosse Pointe as an exclusive summer location for wealthy families from Detroit. 

This week we continue the story of the early summer homes built in Grosse Pointe with a review of the prominent industrialists who followed the example of John S. Newberry and James McMillan by having year-round homes on East Jefferson, and seasonal residences next to the lake in “The Pointe” as it was known 120 years ago. Source: Thomas A. Arbaugh, Tonnancour, Volume II.

The majority of these summer dwellings were built towards the end of the 19th…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Welcome to 37 Edgemere

Happy 2020! 

In our last post we presented 110 Cloverly, completed by Robert O. Derrick, in 1924, for Phelps Newberry, a member of the esteemed Newberry family.

This week we leave behind the grand Tudor homes of the 1920’s and head to a mid-century property, 37 Edgemere, completed, in 1951, by Carl R. Habermas for Mr. and Mrs. M. Rivard Klippel.

Very little is known about Carl R. Habermas or his career. We do know he created several homes in Grosse Pointe from the 1930’s through to the 1960’s, covering a broad architectural spectrum - Tudor, Colonial, Regency, Art Deco, and Mid-Century Modern styles. It also appears, at some point in his career, he was closely associated with noted architect J. H. Steffens. His projects in Grosse Pointe…

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