Real Estate Blog - Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Welcome to Merriweather – Part 1

Having recently covered the work of versatile architect Hugh T. Keyes we now return to exploring one of the many significant streets in Grosse Pointe Farms – Merriweather. 

A couple of weeks ago we featured one of the earliest homes to be constructed on Merriweather, number 175, designed by accomplished architect Louis Kamper. Having provided you with a brief insight into the history of the prestigious road lets now return to the street and explore some of the other wonderful homes that are on display. 

Merriweather was originally part of a large cherry orchard. Based on research by the Grosse Pointe Historical Society we know that ‘prior to the 1940s, the area was an expanse of undeveloped fields from Merriweather to Cloverly Road in the block…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Hugh T. Keyes, The Versatile Architect

Last week we presented three superb homes by the architect Hugh T. Keyes that have sadly been demolished. This week we stay with this multi-talented designer and present four further homes.

These homes still exist today – 379 Lakeland, 174 Touraine, 17845 Jefferson (25 Fisher Rd), and 60 Renaud. What makes these homes particular interesting is the diverse range of their architectural style.

We have discussed, on several occasions, the rich and varied repertoire of this particular architect, but we have yet to explore these four homes in depth, and present Keyes ever-evolving style(s). 

Early on in his career Keyes spent time in Europe, traveling in England, France, Italy and Switzerland gathering inspiration - evident in much of his work…

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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…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – 175 Merriweather Road

Last week we profiled 21 Colonial Rd, the magnificent former home of nationally recognized architectural sculptor Corrado Parducci. This week we head to Grosse Pointe Farms, and to one of the earliest homes built on Merriweather, number 175. 

Merriweather was originally part of a large cherry orchard. It wasn’t until the late 1920’s that houses first began to appear on the plot of land. 

Number 175 was one of the earlier homes to be constructed. Designed by acclaimed architect Louis Kamper, it was completed in 1929 as a wedding present, from Kamper and Kurt Kling, to the newly married couple of John Robert Sutton, Jr. (Jack), and his wife Paula Kling Sutton (Kamper’s niece, and Kurt Kling’s daughter).

Louis Kamper, could be described as one…

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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…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – The Gardens of William Pitkin Jr.

Last week we explored several homes on the elegant street of Lothrop, Grosse Pointe Farms. One of the homes we profiled, 99 Lothrop, was designed by Charles A. Platt. Mr. Platt was not only a talented architect, but was also considered to be one of America’s more influential landscape designers. 

Platt designed at least four homes (that we know of) in the Grosse Pointe communities. Despite his natural talents in landscape design Platt was happy to hire leading landscape architects to work alongside him on his project(s). His propensity to hire nationally recognized landscape designers was based on his desire to create a natural synergy between the house and its surroundings, and one designer who was particularly skilled in this area was William…

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