Real Estate Blog - Grosse Pointe Shores

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Architect Hiram H. Hallett

Last week we stopped by the prestigious street of Lochmoor Blvd to explore 50 Lochmoor. The elegant Colonial style home was designed in 1923, by the nationally renowned architect William Buck Stratton and his partner (at the time), Dalton J. Snyder.

This week we are going to look at the work of architect Hiram Harvey Hallett. We received a request from Mr. Hallett’s grandson, Lee to research some of the projects completed by his grandfather, who’s career spanned several decades and encompassed multiple architectural styles.

Hiram Harvey Hallett was born February 11, 1870, in Oil City, Pennsylvania – one of nine children. We couldn’t find any details about his education, but we did learn that in 1898, he married Blanche Alberta Sweetwood and…

369 Views, 0 Comments

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – 50 Lochmoor

Last week we presented the work of Pollmar and Ropes. The firm was prolific in Detroit during the first 30 years of the 20th century, specializing in the design of apartments, stores, and industrial buildings.

This week we head to the prestigious street of Lochmoor Blvd to explore 50 Lochmoor, designed in 1923, by the nationally renowned architect William Buck Stratton and his partner (at the time), Dalton J. Snyder for George Hilsendegen.

It appears William B. Stratton and Dalton J. Snyder became partners around 1915. The duo worked together for over a decade and designed many buildings in Detroit including the Women’s City Club, Ford Hospital, the Maybury Sanitarium, along with several movie theaters (the Center Theater, Home Theater, Jewel…

604 Views, 0 Comments

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – 880 Lake Shore

Last week we presented some of the homes on Lake Shore, in Grosse Pointe Shores, that were built before 1911, of which there were more than a dozen properties. A significant number of the homes built around this period still exist today.

This week we remain in Grosse Pointe Shores to explore one of the finest homes ever built in the community, 880 Lake Shore, designed by architectural legend Albert Kahn for the leader of Michigan’s sugar industry Clinton Goodloe Edgar. 

880 Lake Shore, completed in 1916, is an 8,403 sq ft Italian Renaissance inspired residence - a popular choice of Kahn for the projects he completed in Grosse Pointe Shores during this era. William Hawkins Ferry, in The Buildings of Detroit, wrote “the Italian Renaissance…

624 Views, 0 Comments

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Pre 1911 Homes on Lake Shore, Grosse Pointe Shores.

Last week we visited the Grosse Pointe Shores municipal park, located at 800 Lake Shore Rd. The 8.3-acre park was named after George Osius in recognition of his contributions to The Village of Grosse Pointe Shores.

This week we stay in Grosse Pointe Shores to look at some of the homes that were built before 1911. 1911 was a significant year in the community - The Village of Grosse Pointe Shores (GPS) was incorporated on April 3; President George Osius hosted the first Village Council meeting at his home on Tuesday April 11.

The early residents of Grosse Pointe Shores played a significant role in the development and success of the community. Many lived in homes constructed before 1911, of which there were more than a dozen properties. It was a…

459 Views, 0 Comments

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe –Grosse Point Shores Municipal Park

Last week we explored the lost home, 900 Lake Shore. The Southern Colonial style home was completed in 1913, for George Osius, the first president of the Village of GP Shores. It was also the location of the Junior League of Detroit's first Designers’ Show House in 1976. Sadly, it was raised after 1987 (date unknown).

This week we continue with our visit to Grosse Pointe Shores as we explore the municipal park Park, located at 800 Lake Shore Rd. The 8.3-acre park was named after George Osius in recognition of his contributions to The Village of Grosse Pointe Shores.

Beginning in the spring of 1911, George Osius became the first president of the Village of Grosse Pointe Shores - The Village of Grosse Pointe Shores (GPS) was incorporated on April…

433 Views, 0 Comments

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – The Lost Homes of Hugh T. Keyes

So many of the architects we have written about have not only left a lasting impression on the architectural scene in Grosse Pointe, but across many of the communities in Metro Detroit. One such example is Louis Kamper, who we reviewed last week, and his work at 175 Merriweather. This week we continue the theme with three homes by Hugh T. Keyes. 

Hugh T. Keyes was a phenomenal architect; we have featured his work on many occasions. His work centered on creating grand estates for the industrialists of Metropolitan Detroit (clients included Ford, Hudson-Tannahill, Bugas and Mennen) and he is considered to be one of the most versatile architects of the period.

Born in Trenton, MI in 1888, he studied architecture at Harvard University and worked…

3710 Views, 0 Comments

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – 21 Colonial Road

What makes the architecture in Grosse Pointe so interesting is the sheer diversity of the buildings that are on display. Last week we profiled the Country Club of Detroit, and its fascinating history that began in 1884. This week we jump to 1928, and to a home that was created for nationally recognized architectural sculptor Corrado Parducci. 

Grosse Pointe has been home to many nationally noted artists, designers and sculptors, including William Hawkins Ferry, Alexander Girard and William Kessler - to name but a few. Parducci was one of the most acclaimed sculptors of the early 20th century, and it was here in Grosse Pointe, at 21 Colonial Road, Grosse Pointe Shores, that he selected to reside.

Corrado Parducci was a talented architectural…

3593 Views, 0 Comments

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – The Hidden Homes on Lake Shore – Part 2

Last week we introduced you to some of the hidden homes on the lake in Grosse Pointe Shores. Many of these homes, constructed between 1900 and 1918, are concealed from the road, and their elegance remains hidden. The construction of these homes spans many years, and we would like to continue with our exploration with the introduction of several more superb properties constructed between 1923 and 1934.

Grosse Pointe Shores has undergone a number of transitions over the years, in terms of growth, population, and being recognized as a community in its own right. By the 1920’s Grosse Pointe Shores was establishing itself as a haven for some of Detroit’s wealthiest families. The area had witnessed the construction of numerous grand homes, with many having…

9181 Views, 0 Comments

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – The Hidden Homes on Lake Shore

Over the past couple of weeks we have focused on the grand Lake Shore estates’, exploring the home of Mrs. Henry Stephens, and the five superb buildings constructed in Grosse Pointe Shores by legendary architect Albert Kahn.

This week we stay in Grosse Pointe Shores to bring you some of the hidden homes on the Lake.

As you drive along Jefferson and approach the Ford house you will have noticed the long driveways, and possibly caught a glimpse of the superb homes that line this part of the lake. The construction of these homes spans many years, yet many of these homes remain a mystery, concealed by the beautiful landscaped gardens that hide their full glory.

The smallest of the Grosse Pointe communities, Grosse Pointe Shores has developed rapidly…

4994 Views, 0 Comments

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – The Many Faces of Albert Kahn

Several of the architects who created residential work in Grosse Pointe also worked in commercial, industrial and municipal architecture. Albert Kahn was not only capable of working in all these different disciplines, but he was indeed world renowned for some of his innovations.

There are numerous other architects who were as equally diverse. However, what makes Kahn almost unique in the world is that he had a separate design language for each type of building – he created modern/groundbreaking industrial designs, was open to following the latest trends for his commercial projects, and developed very traditional residences. In a limited group of architects who possessed these skills, this makes him quite remarkable.

Kahn’s early career was dominated…

5783 Views, 0 Comments