We turn our attention to another significant period of transformation, the 1950s. As the large mansions on Lake Shore were razed and the plots subdivided new developments and streets were rapidly appearing. One such street was Sunningdale. Like so many of the “newer” streets in the community, Sunningdale is one without a definitive architectural style. […]
In part 1 we presented the story of Jens Jensen – in part 2 we continue the story. Much of Jen Jensen’s work at the Ford Estate followed similar patterns he had employed in many of his existing projects. For example one key component to some of his work was walkways around a central meadow. […]
When we think of the Ford Estate thoughts immediately turn to the stunning Cotswold house, designed by Albert Kahn for Edsel and Eleanor Ford in 1929. However, putting the house to one side, the original 125-acre estate, located at Gaukler Pointe, is also home to magnificent gardens, and several additional eye-catching buildings. Over the years […]
Last week we went to Grosse Pointe City to explore the picturesque street of Village Lane, located between Cadieux and Notre Dame. The historic properties, completed before 1930, provide an eclectic mix of architectural styles from traditional Clapboard Colonial though to an English cottage style residence. This week we turn our attention to a rather […]
This week we would like to focus on another of Grosse Pointes’ lost mansions – “By-Way”, located at 17770 East Jefferson, the former home of Frederick Moulton Alger. We have already delved into the history of several lost estates on Lakeshore. These grand mansions, owned by prominent members of the community (Scott Whitcomb, Henry D. […]
Last week we presented 35 Fisher Road. Completed in 1909, by Smith, Hinchman & Grylls, 35 Fisher Road started out as Grosse Pointe’s first telephone exchange for the Home Telephone Company. After serving the community for around eight years it is now a stunning historic home. This week we stay in Grosse Pointe City and […]
Last week we explored 223 Lake Shore, a lost estate that was commissioned by John Francis Dodge, in 1918, but was never fully completed. Located on an 11-acre lot, Mr. Dodge hired Smith, Hinchman & Grylls to design a lavish home to be one of the finest in the country. It was demolished in 1941. […]
Last week we profiled the work of Harlow N. Davock. He designed at least five homes in Grosse Pointe from 1913 through to 1920, including four homes on Washington as part of the ‘Grosse Pointe Colony’ development in Grosse Pointe City. This week we head to 223 Lake Shore, a lost estate that was commissioned […]
Last week we explored 10 Provencal. Located at the foot of the hill on this prestigious road in Grosse Pointe Farms, the International style home was completed in 1937. Giffels & Vallet Inc., L. Rosetti designed the property for Le Roy Ernest Swift and his wife Marjorie I. McMillan. This week we turn our attention […]
Last week we presented the lost estate 10 Moross – on the corner of Moross and Lake Shore. It is believed this once grand home was designed in the early 20th century (around 1905) by Louis Kamper and razed in 1968. This week we head to another prominent street off of Lake Shore to explore […]