Real Estate Blog - Minoru Yamasaki

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Welcome to St. Paul’s – Part 3

Last week we continued our presentation on the St. Paul’s Church complex as we explored the interior of St. Paul’s church, along with the history of the rectory, the parish house, and the barn. This week we conclude our series with part 3, as we visit the school and convent buildings.

The St. Pauls' Catholic school and convent are located at the opposite end of the property, on Grosse Pointe Blvd. In 1926, it is reported the church committee voted to build a new elementary and high school on the grounds of the St. Paul’s church. The then pastor Fr. Alonzo H.B Nacy commissioned nationally acclaimed Detroit architectural firm Smith, Hinchman, and Grylls to design the school and convent buildings. “St. Paul's had acquired the Bertha Palms Lewis…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – 15 Moorland

Last week we featured some of the homes in Grosse Pointe that use Indiana limestone as an integral part of the design, either as cladding or as trim. Indiana limestone has helped build a community and has played a massive part in the architectural history of Grosse Pointe. It remains permanently on display on some of the finest homes and public buildings in the area - an “aristocrat building material” that made such a difference to the composition of a home.

This week we jump forward into the 1950’s to review a home designed by contemporary architect Anne (Krebs) Crane, welcome to 15 Moorland. Ms. Crane was responsible for the design of several outstanding modern properties in Grosse Pointe from the 1950’s through to the beginning of the 1990’s. 

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – University Liggett School

Last week we looked at one of Grosse Pointe’s modern properties, 1013 Cadieux, created by prominent modern architect, William Kessler, for himself and his family in 1959. The Kessler family often referred to the house as “the chateau on Cadieux”.

This week we continue our association with William Kessler, as we turn our attention to University Liggett School, designed by Kessler’s former boss, Minoru Yamasaki. Completed in 1954, the project was an addition to the existing Detroit University School/Grosse Pointe Country Day School building. Following the merger of the two schools (to create the Grosse Pointe University School, in 1954), the firm of Leinweber, Yamasaki & Hellmuth, was commissioned to design a lower and middle school along with a…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – 1013 Cadiuex

Last week we reviewed 457 Lake Shore, the splendid home of Roy D. Chapin, who commissioned John Russell Pope to design a grand estate on Lake Shore in 1927.

This week we jump forward to 1959, to look at one of Grosse Pointe’s modern properties, 1013 Cadieux, created by prominent modern architect, William Kessler, for himself and his family. The Kessler family often referred to the house as "the chateau on Cadieux”. 

1013 Cadieux is a 1,700 sq ft one-of-a-kind modern style residence. The house is constructed from a light-steel frame; with floor to ceiling glass panels on the front and rear elevations, and brick-built end walls. The roof is comprised of a distinctive three-bay folded plate roof. The exterior of the home also features a privacy…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Welcome to 664 Shoreham Road

Last week we presented the work of Minoru Yamasaki, one of the most prominent architects of the 20th century. In a career spanning three decades, he created over 250 buildings throughout the world, including the World Trade Center, and at least five projects in Grosse Pointe. 

This week we are going to explore one of his residential projects in greater depth – 664 Shoreham, Grosse Pointe Woods.

What makes the architectural heritage of Grosse Pointe so unique is how the varying architectural styles from different eras are represented and characterized. Many of the older homes that were designed by nationally recognized designers shout, “I am by Albert Kahn”, or “of course I was designed by George D. Mason”. However, there are others, the hidden…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Introducing the Work of Minoru Yamasaki

Last week we took a more in-depth look at the work of Anne (Krebs) Crane. Ms. Crane and her husband were responsible for several distinctive homes in Grosse Pointe, including their own property – 15 Moorland, Grosse Pointe Shores. 

Given Ms. Crane’s association with Minoru Yamasaki we thought it was about time we presented the work of one of the most prominent architects of the 20th century. In a career spanning three decades, he created over 250 buildings throughout the world, including the World Trade Center, and at least five projects in Grosse Pointe.

Minoru Yamasaki was born in Seattle, 1912. He graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Architecture, in 1934. Shortly after graduating he studied for a master’s degree in…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Introducing the Work of Anne Crane

Last week we brought you the story of 735 Lake Shore, the old and the new. The original home that was located on the property, when it was razed, and the new residence that has taken its place. 

This week we take a more in-depth look at the work of Anne (Krebs) Crane. Ms. Crane was responsible for the design of the new home at 735 Lake Shore for Estelle and Courtney Rankin. The contemporary glass front house was completed in 1974, and was just one of several projects Ms. Crane worked on. 

As we previously reported, Anne Crane was born in Belleville Illinois, in 1924. She graduated from the University of Illinois School of Architecture, in 1946, and moved to Grosse Pointe, in 1950, where she would reside for 62 years. When she moved to the area…

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