Real Estate Blog - Ruth Bramley Dean

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – 290 Provencal

Last week we delved deeper into one of the gardens designed by Ruth Bramley Dean - 354 University Place, Grosse Pointe. The property was completed in 1914, by Detroit based architect F. Gordon Pickell for Charles Bagley DuCharme. However, the garden was created for Mrs. Elizabeth Bonbright - who had purchased the home from Mr. DuCharme around 1922-1923.

This week we conclude our exploration of the work by Ruth Bramley Dean as we look at 290 Provencal. This was one of three gardens she created in Grosse Pointe that resulted in her becoming the first woman to be awarded the prestigious Architectural League of New York’s Gold Medal.

290 Provencal was completed in 1924, having been designed by Robert O. Derrick for Hiram Walker Jr., and his wife…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – 354 University Place

Last week we continued our profile of nationally recognized female landscape architects as we explored the work of Eleanor Roache, and Ruth Bramley Dean. Together, along with Ellen Biddle Shipman, they helped spearhead the growth of landscape architecture during the early 20th Century. They were not only pioneers in their field but helped create many beautiful gardens in Grosse Pointe

This week we delve deeper into one of the gardens designed by Ruth Bramley Dean as we profile her work at 354 University Place, Grosse Pointe. The property was completed in 1914, by Detroit based architect F. Gordon Pickell for Charles Bagley DuCharme. However, the garden was created for Mrs. Elizabeth Bonbright - who had purchased the home from Mr. DuCharme around…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – The Work of Eleanor Roche and Ruth Bramley Dean.

Last week we focused on the work of Ellen Biddle Shipman, a nationally renowned landscape architect who was known for her formal gardens, simple clean geometries, and lush planting style. Shipman, throughout her career, created over 650 gardens, including at least 60 in Grosse Pointe – more than any other community in the United States. 

This week we continue our profile of nationally recognized female landscape architects in Grosse Pointe as we profile two further designers – Eleanor Roche and Ruth Bramley Dean.

The early 20th century was a pivotal moment for the emergence of women in the largely male dominated field of landscape architecture. Ellen Biddle Shipman was at the forefront of this rise. In an interview in 1938, she stated, "until…

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – The Residence of William Ledyard Mitchell

Last week we journeyed back to the late nineteenth century and explored the Queen Anne style home of prominent Detroiter Henry Brockholst Ledyard.

This week we would like to introduce you to another prominent Detroiter with Ledyard in his name – Mr. William Ledyard Mitchell, and his home at 180 Ridge, Grosse Pointe Farms.

William Ledyard Mitchell, born in Cincinnati, 1881, was a key player in the auto industry during the 1920’s and 1930’s - as secretary and vice president in charge of manufacturing for Chrysler after it was formed to succeed the old Maxwell Motor Corporation (in 1925). Source: The New York Times. In 1926 he became general manager, and in 1929 he was named board chairman of the export division. Three years later, in 1932, William…

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