Real Estate Blog - Hilary Micou

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – 40 Sunningdale Drive

Posted by Kay Agney on September 16th, 2025

Last week we stopped on Chalfonte Avenue in Grosse Pointe Farms to review a selection of properties on part of the street where the rear of the homes overlook the golf course at the prestigious Country Club of Detroit.

One of the homes we featured on Chalfonte (number 464) was designed by a Canadian born architect Edmund Primeau and built by Hilary Micou. Primeau was a versatile designer who created numerous homes in Grosse Pointe in varying architectural styles, primarily during the 1940’s and 1950’s. Arguably one of his most prominent projects was 40 Sunningdale.

40 Sunningdale, a striking Colonial inspired home, was completed in 1957 for Alfred L. Marks and his wife Virginia Backus. It was originally located on a secluded 1.9-acre lot,…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – The Grosse Pointe Projects of Alexander Girard

Posted by Kay Agney on October 16th, 2017

Last week we covered the exceptional home, 232 Lothrop, created by the extremely talented artist Alexander Girard.

Described as one of the most important, prolific and influential textile designers of the twentieth century, Girard was also extremely skilled as an architect, interior, product, and graphic designer.

Alexander Girard (early 1950’s) – Courtesy of Vitra Design Museum

This week we focus on Girard’s other architectural projects in Grosse Pointe. Aside from designing the modern contemporary home located at 232 Lothrop (1951), Girard also created two further homes on Lothrop – number 222 (1948) and 234 (1949), along with 55 Vendome in 1951. All of his projects were created in his signature contemporary modern style, which was…

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

Posted by Kay Agney on October 3rd, 2017

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…

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