Real Estate Blog - Grosse Pointe Real Estate

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…

719 Views, 0 Comments

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Hugo Scherer

Last week we concluded our series on the Schmidt family “one of the oldest and eminently noteworthy families” of Detroit. The article touched on the life of Hugo Scherer, husband of Clara Schmidt.

This week we delve further into the life of Hugo Scherer, a prosperous businessman and real estate magnet. He was a prominent figure in Detroit and Grosse Pointe for over 40 years.

Born 9 October 1859, in Detroit, Hugo Scherer completed his education in the city and then spent six years studying at universities in Europe. Following his returned to the United States he embarked on a distinguished career. He married Clara Schmidt on April 11, 1888, and together they had two daughters, Marion (born in 1897), and Dorothy (born in 1901). The family resided…

424 Views, 0 Comments

2023 ANNUAL REPORT - GROSSE POINTE REAL ESTATE

Higbie Maxon Agney is pleased to offer its 2023 Grosse Pointe Real Estate Annual Report. Within this report you will find information on average sale prices, sales volume, real estate trends, and much more.

Our goal is to give you an accurate and complete picture of the 2023 Grosse Pointe housing market. All the graphs were produced internally for Higbie Maxon Agney using MiRealSource multiple listing service. We are confident that these are the best statistics currently available on the Grosse Pointe housing market, and we hope that you will find the contents of this report readable and useful. Over the coming months we will use this information to help our clients make informed, educated real estate decisions. 

Market Summary – 2023:
The real…

200 Views, 0 Comments

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – The Schmidt Family – Part 1

Last week we presented another grand home on Windmill Pointe, 15324 Windmill Pointe. It was designed by prominent Detroit architect Wallace Frost in 1927, for Ross Whitcomb Judson, the founder of the Continental Motor Company. 

This week we turn our attention from grand homes to a grand family. During the late 19th century and the 20th Century the Schmidt family was a prominent name in Grosse Pointe and Detroit. The head of the family Traugott Schmidt, was one of Detroit’s industrial pioneers and one of the leading tanners in the Midwest. Not only was he an important figure, so too were his children - his three sons and two daughters became principal figures in both business and social circles. They also resided in several stunning homes in Grosse…

396 Views, 0 Comments

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – 15324 Windmill Pointe

Last week we visited 15420 Windmill Pointe, designed by noted local architect Robert O. Derrick for John Bell Moran. Completed in 1927, “Bellmor” is a 12,000 square foot English Tudor style mansion modeled after a sixteenth century English manor house.

This week we present another grand home on Windmill Pointe, 15324 Windmill Pointe, designed by prominent Detroit architect Wallace Frost in 1927, for Ross Whitcomb Judson, the founder of Continental Motor Company. 

15324 Windmill Pointe, named “Kasteel Batavia”, is arguably one of the best examples of an English Country estate found in the Grosse Pointe communities. Situated on two acres with 220 feet of lake frontage, it is an impactful residence constructed from brick and stone; the roof is…

613 Views, 0 Comments

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – 15420 Windmill Pointe

Last week we stopped by arguably one of the most prestigious homes in the Grosse Pointe communities – 15520 Windmill Pointe, designed by Alpheus W. Chittenden in 1903, for John B. Ford.

This week we stay on Windmill Pointe to visit 15420 Windmill Pointe, designed by noted local architect Robert O. Derrick for John Bell Moran. Completed in 1927, “Bellmor” is a 12,000 square foot English Tudor style mansion.

The Moran’s have been a prominent family in Detroit for nearly 300 years – they were one of the early French families who settled in Detroit in the early 1700’s. John B. Moran was part of the family who in 1750, had taken ownership of one of the long, thin ribbon farms in the area and subsequently became huge landholders.

During the…

734 Views, 0 Comments

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – 15520 Windmill Pointe

Happy 2024!

In the last post of 2023, we visited the Mid-Century Modern “Holiday Houses” on Shelborne in Grosse Pointe Farms. The Ranch style homes were designed by William F. Baker and built by Cox & Baker during the 1950’s and 60’s, a significant period in modern home design. The “Holiday House” event was held annually in the fall.

For our first post of the new year, we are going to stop by arguably one of the most prestigious homes in the Grosse Pointe communities – 15520 Windmill Pointe, designed by Alpheus W. Chittenden in 1903.

Aside from being a beautiful Georgian Revival Mansion this home is particularly special given that it was originally located at 8192 East Jefferson Avenue, on the river in the prestigious community of Indian…

870 Views, 0 Comments

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – The “Holiday Houses” on Shelborne Rd

Last week we concluded our series on the work of Albert Kahn as we briefly reviewed arguably one of the most noted residences he created Rose Terrace, followed by the history of the property with Rose Terrace II, and the Rose Terrace Subdivision.

This week we are going to visit the Mid-Century Modern “Holiday Houses” on Shelborne in Grosse Pointe Farms. The Ranch style homes were designed by William F. Baker, and built by Cox & Baker, during the 1950’s and 60’s, a significant period in modern home design. The “Holiday House” event was held annually in September or October.

At least seven “Holiday Houses” were built and introduced to the Grosse Pointes between 1951 and 1962. Their design coincided with the growing influence and popularity of…

403 Views, 0 Comments

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – The History of Rose Terrace

Last week we presented the story of one of Albert Kahn’s public buildings, the Vernier school, completed in 1916. Originally located at 36 Vernier Road, it was razed in 1994.

This week we conclude our series on the work of Albert Kahn as we briefly review arguably one of the most noted residences he created Rose Terrace, followed by the history of the property, which includes Rose Terrace II, and finally the Rose Terrace Subdivision. 

Rose Terrace #1
Rose Terrace was completed in 1910, for Horace Elgin Dodge for an estimated $4 million (around $130m today). It was razed in 1934. Based on an article in the Detroit News (June 2000) we understand the name “Rose Terrace” came from the collection of roses on the grounds that were a favorite of Mrs.…

899 Views, 0 Comments

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – The Vernier School

Last week we continued our focus on the work of Albert Kahn as we stopped by 266 Lakeland, one of the few remaining works by this prestigious architect. Of the 20 or so projects this nationally renowned designer completed in Grosse Pointe, at least half a dozen of his creations have been demolished.

This week we present the story of one of Albert Kahn’s public buildings, the Vernier school, completed in 1916, originally located at 36 Vernier Road. It was razed in 1994.

We recently covered the history of the Grosse Pointe Shores municipal building. As part of the article, we shared information about how the structure, in the early 1980’s, needed to be renovated and repaired. The city opted to keep and preserve the building as opposed to tearing…

574 Views, 0 Comments