Real Estate Blog - Higbie Maxon Agney

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Engineer Horrace Esselstyn

Last week we presented four homes that were designed and built by the talented duo of Raymond Carey and his partner, Horrace Esselstyn, between 1923 – 1929. Together Carey and Esselstyn created many fine residences along with several key buildings in Detroit.

This week we continue with the work of Horrace Esselstyn as we explore more of his creations and career history – this talented engineer worked on some incredible projects in Grosse Pointe and across Metro Detroit. 

A successful engineer, Horace Hovey Esselstyn was described as an “outspoken” and “colorful figure” who “played a large part in building modern Detroit.” He was born in Detroit on 26 December 1874. A couple of years later the family decided to move back to Syracuse, New York…

313 Views, 0 Comments

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Carey and Esselstyn

Last week we presented the work of Roland Tempest a lesser-known designer who created at least 3 sublime homes in Grosse Pointe during the 1920’s, including 22 Sunningdale which has had several prominent owners.

This week we turn our attention to four homes that were designed and built by the talented duo of Raymond Carey and his partner, Horrace Esselstyn, between 1923 – 1929. Together Carey and Esselstyn created many fine residences along with several key buildings in Detroit.

Raymond Carey – Architect

Raymond Marwood-Elton Carey was born in Guernsey, Channel Islands (United Kingdom) on 27 August 1883. He was educated in Bath, but by 1901, he had relocated to London where he spent many years working for several prestigious architects. It is…

255 Views, 0 Comments

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Architect Roland Tempest

Last week we presented the history of two significant men who played a large part in shaping Grosse Pointe into the community we know today - Geroge Lothrop and Theadore Hall. Lothrop built a summer cottage, known as “Summerside” while Hall built a majestic estate named Tonnancour.

A few weeks ago, we began introducing the work of some extremely talented, yet lesser-known designers/builders who worked throughout Metro Detroit during the 1920’s – 1930’s. This week we continue with the series as we introduce three homes Roland Tempest designed in Grosse Pointe during the 1920’s.

Rolland W. Tempest was born on 8 January 1891 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Having grown up in the city he attended the University of Pennsylvania where he graduated in 1915…

257 Views, 0 Comments

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe - George Lothrop and Theadore Hall

Last week we presented the story of Commander Alexander Grant – a British Naval officer serving on the Great Lakes – who moved to Grosse Pointe around 1774. He became the earliest prominent settler and constructed the area's first large permanent residence – “Grants Castle”.

As part of the post, we mentioned two historical figures, Geroge Lothrop and Theadore Hall. Lothrop built a summer cottage, known as “Summerside” on part of the land owned by Alexander Grant, while Theadore Hall purchased “Grants Castle” around 1875, razed it and set about building his own majestic estate, Tonnancour. So, this week we are going to delve deeper into the lives of these two significant men who played a large part in shaping Grosse Pointe into the community we know…

395 Views, 0 Comments

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Grants Castle

Last week we featured a prominent, yet unsung builder in Detroit by the name of Emil Schultz. During a career that spanned four decades Schultz built some fine homes in Grosse Pointe in conjunction with noted architects. This included his own home - 719 Berkshire.

This week we travel back to 1776, a very important time in the history of our nation. This historic milestone is something everyone in the country is proud of. So, what was happening in Grosse Pointe at this time?

According to the Detroit Historical Society, “in 1776, Detroit was a fortified, British-controlled fur-trading outpost. While the Thirteen Colonies declared independence, Detroit remained under British rule and served as a strategic base for British forces and their…

593 Views, 0 Comments

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Builder Emil Schultz

Last week we introduced the new 237 Lake Shore. Completed in 1967, is one of the finest homes in Grosse Pointe. Located on part of the site of the former David C. Whitney estate, “Ridgemont”, the new residence is a key property in the modern-day grand estates of Grosse Pointe.

A few weeks ago, we began introducing the work of some extremely talented, yet lesser-known designers/builders who worked throughout Metro Detroit during the 1920’s – 1930’s. This week we continue with the series as we introduce some of the houses built by Emil Schultz.

It is believed Emil Schultz was born in Detroit on 13 September 1904. During a career that spanned four decades Schultz built some fine homes in the community in conjunction with several noted architects.…

361 Views, 0 Comments

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – The New 237 Lake Shore

Last week we explored the history of a former grand home in Grosse Pointe, “Ridgemont”, located at 237 Lake Shore. It was designed in 1902 by Rogers & MacFarlane for David C. Whitney and was one of the finest estates ever built in Grosse Pointe. It was razed in 1955.

This week we stay with 237 Lake Shore as we look at the home that was built on part of the land that was once the “Ridgemont” estate. Following the demolition of the original home, in 1955, the land was subdivided. Part of the property was added to an adjoining estate, 241 Lake Shore, which was owned by Ernest Kanzler (an executive turned banker). In 1966, his son Robert Kanzler commissioned a new home on the site which would become the new 237 Lake Shore.

The new 237 Lake Shore…

571 Views, 0 Comments

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – 237 Lake Shore “Ridgemont”

Last week we stopped by 315 Fisher, constructed around 1913 for a German florist named Fred Pautke - there are conflicting stories as to what it was initially used for. Since 1981, it has been the home of Grosse Pointe Theatre for rehearsals, workshops, and as its admin office.

As part of the blog post last week we mentioned the David C. Whitney estate where Fred Pautke (who owned 315 Fisher) was the gardener. This week we delve deeper into this once grand home, known as “Ridgemont” that was located at 237 Lake Shore. It was razed in 1955.

237 Lake Shore was designed by Rogers & MacFarlane for David C. Whitney. It was completed in 1902. At the time Grosse Pointe Farms was transitioning from a place where wealthy families would spend the summer…

374 Views, 0 Comments

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – 315 Fisher

Last week we explored the newest building to be constructed in Grosse Pointe, the Schaap Center, a modern structure that will become part of the community’s architectural story. It opened to patrons in May 2026.

This week we stop by 315 Fisher, owned and used by the Grosse Pointe Theatre (GPT) for rehearsals, workshops, and as its administrative office. As of June 5, GPT’s performance home for its productions will be at the Schaap Center.

It is understood 315 Fisher, a Tudor style building, was constructed around 1913. It is rumored a German florist named Fred Pautke was the original owner, however there are conflicting stories as to what it was initially used for. It has been suggested it was a boarding house or used as a telephone exchange. We…

385 Views, 0 Comments

Architecture of Grosse Pointe – The Schaap Center

Last week we profiled another architect who was known nationally, yet not locally in Metro Detroit – Paul Rudolph. He came to Grosse Pointe in 1970 to create 3 Cameron Place for Dr. Frank Parcells. It was the only home he created in Michigan.

This week we stop by Grosse Pointes newest building, the A. Paul and Carol C. Schaap Center for the Performing Arts. This stunning structure opened a couple of weeks ago (May 2026) and is now welcoming guests to enjoy performances and art displays in the Richard and Jane Manoogian Art gallery.

The Building
The Schaap Center is a world class performing arts center – it is 49,000 square feet, with 435 seats, state-of-the-art-lighting, world-class acoustics, and a temperature-controlled gallery. The design is…

351 Views, 0 Comments