Real Estate Blog - Higbie Maxon Agney

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…

609 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…

791 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…

986 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…

1143 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…

550 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.…

1588 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…

782 Views, 0 Comments

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – 266 Lakeland “Rosecroft”

Last week we presented the history of Dodge Place. The property was originally the location of 17800 E. Jefferson, designed by Albert Kahn in 1905, for Charles M. Swift. The grand English Tudor, one of the earlier year-round residences to be constructed in Grosse Pointe, was razed in 1985, and is now the location of 18 homes on Dodge Place.

This week we continue our focus on the work of Albert Kahn as we stop by 266 Lakeland, one of the few remaining projects 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. 

266 Lakeland Avenue, “Rosecroft”, was completed in 1912, for Benjamin Franklin Tobin, president, and eventual…

583 Views, 0 Comments

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Dodge Place

Last week we presented 1017 Lake Shore, the former housekeeper’s residence that was originally part of the Edsel and Eleanor Ford Estate, designed by Albert Kahn and completed in 1929.

This week we continue with the work of Albert Kahn. This nationally renowned designer worked on at least 20 projects in Grosse Pointe, from the modest to the massive, including residences, public buildings, and the entrance gates to Beverly Road. Sadly at least half a dozen of his major works have been demolished. This includes the former grand mansion, 17800 E. Jefferson, which is now the location of 18 homes on Dodge Place.

Before we tell the story of the development of Dodge Place, we will take a look at the splendid English Tudor inspired residence that…

849 Views, 0 Comments

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – 1017 Lake Shore

Last week we were in Grosse Pointe Shores to present the four residential projects Albert Kahn completed on Lake Shore between 1910 and 1930, two of which have been razed.

This week we stay with one of those homes, or at least the housekeeper’s residence that was originally part of the Edsel and Eleanor Ford Estate, designed by Albert Kahn and completed in 1929. Located at 1100 Lake Shore the estate was originally located on 125-acres. The property also included the head housekeeper’s cottage which is now a private residence 1017 Lake Shore.

1017 Lake Shore was completed in 1930, after the main residence was finished in 1929. The quaint cottage in the woods was originally used as the housekeepers’ residence for the Ford Estate. While it is…

600 Views, 0 Comments