Entries by Katie Doelle

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – 1012 Three Mile

Last week we presented one of Leonard Willeke’s most prominent projects, 22 Webber Place. The grand estate was completed in 1927, for Oscar Webber, General Manager of Hudson’s Department Store. This week we head to another of Leonard Willieke’s acclaimed homes – 1012 Three Mile Drive – completed in 1929, for Raymond J. Purdy, an […]

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – 22 Webber Place

Last week we previewed 938 Balfour, completed in 1922, as a speculative home by the talented Leonard B. Willeke. This week we stay with the work of Leonard Willeke to feature one of his most prominent projects, 22 Webber Place. The grand estate was completed in 1927, for Oscar Webber, General Manager of Hudson’s Department […]

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – 938 Balfour

Last week we turned our attention to some of the less well-known homes created by William B. Stratton. Aside from the large-scale projects that are often featured in books and publications, Stratton also completed numerous residences that are just as charming but don’t always receive the exposure they deserve. This week we arrive at 938 […]

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – 21 Colonial Road

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, […]

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – William B. Stratton – Less Well-Known Homes

Last week we explored 221 Lewiston – a unique Italian Renaissance villa designed by Hugh T. Keys for businessman Charles A. Dean and his wife Helen W. Dean (Ryan). This week we turn our attention to some of the less well-known homes created by William B. Stratton. We have previously covered many homes by Stratton, […]

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – 166 Ridge Road

We stay in Grosse Pointe Farms and head to one of the stunning homes on Ridge Road, number 166. Running through the heart of the Farms Ridge Road is one of the communities more distinctive streets. Based on research by the Grosse Pointe Historical Society, we understand, in 1885, most of the land between Ridge […]

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – 221 Lewiston

Last week we continued the story of Lewiston Rd, part 2, profiling a range of homes located between Kercheval and the end of the street completed in 1930, or earlier. This week we continue the story of one of the more unique homes on Lewiston. Completed in 1924, 221 Lewiston is an Italian Renaissance villa […]

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Lewiston Road – Part 2

Last week we presented part 1 of Lewiston Road with a selection of the homes created before 1930, on the first block located between Grosse Pointe Blvd and Kercheval. This week we continue the story of Lewiston Rd with a range of homes located between Kercheval and the end of the street. As with part […]

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – 40 Sunningdale Drive

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. […]

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – The Ford Estate – Part 2

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. […]