Real Estate Blog - Grosse Pointe Real Estate

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Rivard, Part 1

Last week we visited 487 Rivard, one of the finest examples of a clapboard Colonial home in Grosse Pointe. It was completed in 1919, by Esselstyn, Murphy & Hanford for Bernhard Stroh Jr., former president of the Stroh Brewery Company.

This week we stay on Rivard to begin a two-part series on this historic street. In part 1 of our series we begin with a brief history of the Rivard family, followed by an exploration of some of the earliest homes, constructed between 1918 and 1922.

As with so many of the streets in Grosse Pointe, there is a rich, and checkered past. Many of the streets are named after an historic figure who has had an influence on the area or after a prominent family who have resided in the community. Some of the streets are named…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – 487 Rivard

Last week we presented some of the work by Bailey and Middleditch who created many fine houses in Metro Detroit during the 1920’s. Bailey had a fine reputation for designing high-end, detailed Tudor Revival homes which included three on University Place and one on Rivard.

In 1928, Bailey and Middleditch designed 582 Rivard, which is a superb example of clapboard Colonial home in keeping with the style of the large homes that were being constructed on Rivard during this era. So, this week we are going to explore another fine example of a clapboard Colonial home on Rivard – number 487. This historic house was completed by Esselstyn, Murphy & Hanford for Bernhard Stroh Jr., former president of the Stroh Brewery Company.

487 Rivard was…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe - Bailey & Middleditch

Last week we stopped by 61 Moross a rather handsome English Cottage style home, completed in 1925, most likely for the legendary baseball player Ty Cobb.

This week we look at the work of one of the lesser-known architectural/building firms, Bailey & Middleditch, who designed and/or built several homes in Grosse Pointe during the late 1920’s, including at least three sublime homes on University Place.

Rufus Arthur Bailey & Leigh Middleditch was a prominent design and construction firm in Detroit. It is understood R. A. Bailey was born in Lansing on 6 May 1867. He began his architectural career by working in the office of his brother, who was a leading architect in Lansing, where he spent four years. At the age of 21 he moved to Detroit where he…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – 61 Moross

Last week we turned our attention to one of Grosse Pointes lost estates – 431 Lake Shore. This once grand home was completed in 1914, by the nationally renowned architectural firm Smith, Hinchman & Grylls for William P. Stevens, an industrial developer. It was demolished in the fall of 2001.

This week we head to 61 Moross a rather handsome English Cottage style home, completed in 1925, possibly for the legendary baseball player Ty Cobb.

Grosse Pointe is known for its prominent families who once made their home in the community. Some of these families, at the time, were nationally renowned figures, and over the years has included several high-profile baseball stars including

•        Kirk Gibson – 40 Sunningdale
•        Lawrence Roehm – 354…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – 431 Lakeshore

Last week we concluded our two-part series on the St. Clare of Montefalco Parish. 2026 marks the 100th Anniversary, so in honor of this momentous celebration, we explored the history of the school and the church.

This week we turn our attention to one of Grosse Pointes lost estates – 431 Lake Shore. This once grand home was completed in 1914, by the nationally renowned architectural firm Smith, Hinchman & Grylls for William P. Stevens, an industrial developer. It was demolished in the fall of 2001. The post was a request from Mr. George, a former owner of the property.

431 Lake Shore was a magnificent Georgian Revival home, situated on a huge lot. When the house was first built, in 1914, the brick-built property had a prominent entrance at both…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – St. Clare of Montefalco Parish – Church

Last week we began a two-part series on St. Clare of Montefalco Parish. 2026 marks the 100th Anniversary of this important parish, so in honor of this momentous occasion we started by featuring the history of the school.

This week we continue the story of St. Clare of Montefalco Parish with the history of the church. The first Sunday mass was held on October 3, 1926, at the Colony Theatre (located on Mack and Balfour). It was reported over 500 parishioners were in attendance over three masses. A temporary chapel and rectory were then purchased (located at 3444 Bedford in Detroit) for weekday masses. Source: stclarem.org.

Following the opening of the school in September 1927, the building also served as a temporary home for the church, with the…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – St. Clare of Montefalco Parish – School Building

Last week we presented the story of 864 Rivard. Built around 1908 (or before), it is not only one of Grosse Pointe’s oldest homes, but one of a few Saltbox style properties found in the community.

This week we turn our attention to St. Clare of Montefalco Parish. 2026 marks the 100th Anniversary of this important parish, so in honor of this momentous occasion we are beginning a two-part series which will feature the history of the school and the church. 

The origins of St Clare Parish date back to 1923, when Father James A. McDonald, pastor of St. Augustine Church in Hamtramck, was chosen to lead the new St. Clare Parish, which was to be overseen by the Augustinian Fathers. The first Sunday mass for the new parish was held on October 3, 1926, at…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – 864 Rivard

Last week we explored the work of a lesser known, yet prominent Detroit based firm Palmquist & Wright who were known for designing Mid-Century Modern style homes, along with creating hundreds of house plans that were published in books and catalogues. 

This week we move away from modern style houses to delve into the history of one of Grosse Pointe’s oldest homes, 864 Rivard, one of a few Saltbox style homes found in the community. The post was a request from Sandy Yarrington whose great-grandmother and grandparents once lived at the property.

It is believed 864 Rivard was built in 1908, however there is a distinct possibility it may have been completed during the late 1800’s or possibly earlier. It is not known who the original family was who…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Architects, Palmquist & Wright

Last week we explored 920 Whittier in Grosse Pointe Park, a fine example of an International style home, designed by renowned commercial architect Gaston John Stevens for himself in 1967.

This week we stay with the theme of modern style architecture as we look at the work of a lesser known, yet prominent Detroit based firm Palmquist & Wright who were known for designing Mid-Century Modern style homes, along with creating house plans that were published in books and catalogues.

The firm of Irving E. Palmquist and Clifford N. Wright specialized in functional, stylish residential designs. It is understood they worked extensively with designer/builder Richard B. Pollman. It was Pollman who promoted Palmquist & Wright as the chosen architects for the…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – 920 Whittier

Last week we concluded our presentation on D. Allen Wright as we explored what is arguably his most prominent creation in Grosse Pointe, 166 Ridge Road - a stunning French inspired property he completed in 1927, for Charles F. Lambert, president of the Clayton & Lambert Manufacturing Company.

This week we head to 920 Whittier in Grosse Pointe Park, a fine example of an International style home, designed by renowned commercial architect Gaston John Stevens for himself in 1967.

920 Whittier was the subject of our recent free lecture at the Central Library in January. Current owner Dick Ruzzin gave a fascinating presentation about the house and how the International style played a big part in influencing its design. The following article…

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