Found 11 blog entries tagged as Grosse Pointe Farms.

Last week we went to Grosse Pointe City to explore the St. Clair Terraces. Completed in 1928, the terraces were designed by the legendary architect C. Howard Crane and built by John P. Frazer, a noted builder in Detroit. When they formally opened, on October 6, 1929, they were “the hot new thing” in town.

This week we head to the “crown jewel” of Grosse Pointe Farms, Pier Park. Each city in Grosse Pointe has at least one municipal park on the shores of Lake St. Clair. The parks vary in size and amenities, and for many residents’ they are arguably the focal point of the community.

Pier Park in Grosse Pointe Farms is a beautiful space, filled with some of the best facilities in the area. Over the years it has undergone multiple changes, upgrades,…

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Explore GP Grosse Pointe Community Open House

HMA has two open houses this weekend - Sunday, October 14, 2018 2-4 p.m.

Jaime Rae Turnbull will be holding open 409 Calvin, Grosse Pointe Farms

Charming brick tudor-style bungalow in desirable Grosse Pointe Farms location! Spacious living room, formal dining room, eat-in kitchen with plenty of storage! Large Master with sitting room and half bath. Fabulously maintained home with stunning wood floors, coved ceilings, three season sun room, patio and nicely landscaped yard for entertaining! Finished basement with full bath and laundry room. Convenient location with walking distance to schools, dining and shopping! This 1,322 sq. ft. home is listed for $265,000.

For more detail please visit:

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Having spent the last couple of weeks on Merriweather (Part 1 and Part 2), we now turn our attention to a lesser-known architect in Grosse Pointe – William E. Kapp.

Mr. Kapp is one of those architects who was a ‘big name’ in the city, but only came to the Grosse Pointe to work on a handful of projects. This was also the case with a number of other premier designers including: Albert H. Spahr, John C. Stahl and Bloodgood Tuttle (to name but a few).

Kapp was born in Toledo, 1891. Having completed his architectural degree at the University of Pennsylvania he returned to Toledo to set up his own private practice. In 1918 he moved to Detroit. It is believed he worked for Albert Kahn, and then, in 1920, went to work for the prestigious firm of Smith,…

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Last week we presented three superb homes by the architect Hugh T. Keyes that have sadly been demolished. This week we stay with this multi-talented designer and present four further homes.

These homes still exist today – 379 Lakeland, 174 Touraine, 17845 Jefferson (25 Fisher Rd), and 60 Renaud. What makes these homes particular interesting is the diverse range of their architectural style.

We have discussed, on several occasions, the rich and varied repertoire of this particular architect, but we have yet to explore these four homes in depth, and present Keyes ever-evolving style(s). 

Early on in his career Keyes spent time in Europe, traveling in England, France, Italy and Switzerland gathering inspiration - evident in much of his work…

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Last week we profiled 21 Colonial Rd, the magnificent former home of nationally recognized architectural sculptor Corrado Parducci. This week we head to Grosse Pointe Farms, and to one of the earliest homes built on Merriweather, number 175. 

Merriweather was originally part of a large cherry orchard. It wasn’t until the late 1920’s that houses first began to appear on the plot of land. 

Number 175 was one of the earlier homes to be constructed. Designed by acclaimed architect Louis Kamper, it was completed in 1929 as a wedding present, from Kamper and Kurt Kling, to the newly married couple of John Robert Sutton, Jr. (Jack), and his wife Paula Kling Sutton (Kamper’s niece, and Kurt Kling’s daughter).

Louis Kamper, could be described as one…

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Last week we covered the exceptional home, 232 Lothrop, created by the extremely talented artist Alexander Girard.

Described as one of the most important, prolific and influential textile designers of the twentieth century, Girard was also extremely skilled as an architect, interior, product, and graphic designer.

Alexander Girard (early 1950’s) – Courtesy of Vitra Design Museum

This week we focus on Girard’s other architectural projects in Grosse Pointe. Aside from designing the modern contemporary home located at 232 Lothrop (1951), Girard also created two further homes on Lothrop – number 222 (1948) and 234 (1949), along with 55 Vendome in 1951. All of his projects were created in his signature contemporary modern style, which was…

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This is the story of an exceptional home in Grosse Pointe Farms. Some of you might remember this work of art, while for others this will be an introduction to a modern contemporary masterpiece.

232 Lothrop was built in 1951, but was razed several years ago. This one of a kind home was commissioned by Dr. George Rieveschl, a research chemist, and was the product of two masters of modern architecture. Alexander Girard designed the original home, while William Kessler extensively remodeled the property in 1959 (at a reported cost of $250,000 – around $2million today).

Situated on a secluded wooded ridge of over one and a half acres the residence was located on the highest point of land in Grosse Pointe Farms on a magnificent pine shaded site. Each…

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Kay Agney, broker/owner of Higbie Maxon Agney (HMA), recently attended the Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate annual fall conference in Aspen, Colorado for members of the prestigious network. HMA is the only regents member from Grosse Pointe Farms.

The annual conference brings together a global collection of the finest luxury real estate brokers in the world to share their knowledge and connect with fellow luxury professionals.

A highlight of this year’s event was the expert panel discussions led by prominent members of the Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate network. Kay was invited to be part of the panel comprised of ‘Industry Legends’ – realtors who have 30+ years experience in real estate. Members of the panel were asked to participate in a video…

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Having recently featured Mr. Kotting’s work at 43 McKinley we wanted to continue with our exploration of this architect by profiling some of the other homes he created in Grosse Pointe.

Charles Kotting, born in the Holland in 1865, worked on both commercial buildings and residential projects throughout Metro Detroit. Having completed his architectural studies in Amsterdam, Kotting moved to Detroit at the age of 24. He joined the prestigious firm of Mason and Rice, where he stayed for thirteen years. In 1903 he team up with fellow architect Alphus Chittenden. During their 13 years together they created several ‘landmark’ buildings in Detroit including the Detroit Boat Club’s building on Belle Isle, the office building at the Detroit Stove Works plant,…

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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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