Real Estate Blog - George D. Mason

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Dorothy Scherer

Last week focused on the life and career of Hugo Scherer, a prosperous businessman and real estate magnet. He worked closely with architect Louis Kamper on residential and commercial projects and was responsible for expanding the area nicknamed “The Cabbage Patch”, in the early 1900’s.

This week we turn our attention to Hugo’s youngest daughter Dorothy Clara Scherer – a prominent member of society who lived at 191 Lake Shore (later renumbered 201 Lake Shore) - a magnificent estate named “Higbie House”. Image courtesy of the Burton Historical Collection, circa 1926.

Dorothy Scherer, born 25 June 1901, was reportedly a “high spirited” young lady.  We understand she was a gifted sportswoman, and a very talented golfer - she won the Michigan…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Welcome to 33 Oldbrook Lane.

Last week we explored the work of Walker and Weeks, an extremely prominent architectural firm in Cleveland with over 600 buildings to its name. In Grosse Pointe the firm completed just two residences in 1923 and 1935 – 1040 Devonshire and 717 Westchester. 

This week we head to a house listed on the National Register of Historic Places – welcome to 33 Oldbrook Lane, formerly known as “East Hall”. This incredible property was designed by George D. Mason in 1916-17, for John T. Woodhouse, one of Detroit’s leading tobacco merchants. The original address of the residence was 325 Lake Shore, it once had an uninterrupted view of the lake, while the rear faced Grosse Pointe Blvd.

33 Oldbrook Lane is a 9,881 sq ft, Tudor Revival asymmetric residence with…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – The Work of Arthur Knox Hyde

Last week we explored the history of the golf course at Lochmoor Club. The utmost attention was given to the planning of the course that would be regarded as a full championship course. At the time, it was intended the course to be ranked among the best in the country - the course opened for play in June 1918. Renowned architect William B. Stratton completed the clubhouse that same year.

This week we would like to introduce you to Arthur Knox Hyde - a former partner of William B. Stratton – and the four projects he completed with David H. Williams, Jr.

Arthur K. Hyde was born in 1895. Having graduated from the University of Michigan he became a registered architect in Michigan in 1925. During his career he was associated with some of the finest…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Welcome to 1 Donovan Place

Last week we introduced you to the work of Hancock & Butler. The firm was particular active in Grosse Pointe during the late 1920’s, as both designer’s and builders. Between 1928 through 1931 they designed and built around 17 homes, in the Farms and City.

This week we are going to stop by 1 Donovan Place. Completed in 1916, by George D. Mason, for Fremont Woodruff, the original address of the residence was 17160 E. Jefferson.

George Mason first appeared in Grosse Pointe in 1882. The firm of Mason & Rice was commissioned to design ‘Edgmere’ for Joseph Berry; one of the first grand year-round homes in the community (located at 50 Lake Shore Drive – now demolished).

At the time the predominant style of the firm was heavily influenced by…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Two Lost Estates of George D. Mason

Last week we explored 195 Lake Shore, the stunning home of Hugo and Clara Scherer. Designed by Louis Kamper it was originally a spectacular summer residence but became the family’s year-round home after World War 1. 

This week we present two further lost estates - 191 Lake Shore and 66 Renaud. Both residences are attributed to “the dean of Detroit architects”, George D. Mason. These two homes were built within twelve years of each other - 191 Lake Shore was completed in 1926, and 66 Renaud (attributed to George D. Mason & Company) was finished in 1938. The latter was one of Mason’s final projects in Grosse Pointe, and quite possibly one of last of his career (he died in 1948).

191 Lake Shore was commissioned by Harley Green Higbie and his wife,…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Welcome to 1040 Harvard

Last week we presented 15840 Lakeview Court. This sensational home was built in 1931 by George D. Mason and was one of the latter homes he designed towards the end of his career. 

This week we stay with the work of Mr. Mason and take a look at one of his earliest projects in Grosse Pointe, 1040 Harvard. As we mentioned last week Mason first appeared in the community in 1882, when the firm of Mason & Rice was commissioned to design ‘Edgmere’ for Joseph Berry. Fast-forward to 1916, Mason now has his own firm and has been commissioned by John W. Staley to create a large home on Harvard. 

John W. Staley was one of the best known of the younger bank officers’ in the United States. Born in Danville, Pa. he graduated from Albion College, Michigan…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Welcome to 15840 Lakeview Court

Last week we introduced you to the homes designed and/or built by Carl L. Meek, a known architect (and builder) in Grosse Pointe during the late 1920’s.

This week we would like to present 15840 Lakeview Court. This sensational home was built in 1931 by one of Detroit’s architectural superstars, George D. Mason for Albert H. Schmidt.

As renowned Detroit historian Clarence M. Burton once wrote, quite simply George DeWitt Mason was “the dean of Detroit architects”. In a city that boasts the sublime skills of Albert Kahn, and Louis Kamper, Mason takes his place alongside these two great designers as the men responsible for many of Detroit’s iconic buildings. During a career that lasted 50 years George D. Mason created numerous historic buildings in…

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