During a distinguished career Leonard Bernard Willeke, the Cincinnati and Detroit based architect, designed close to 30 homes in Grosse Pointe, and many more around Metro Detroit. During the 1920’s, his golden era, Willieke had a stellar reputation for designing outstanding homes for wealthy clients. He created some exquisite mansions in Grosse Pointe Park, including […]
If you drive around Grosse Pointe you will come across numerous homes that are a vastly different design from those that surround them. We are talking about modern homes, created by one of a kind designer’s who have the skill to introduce something a little bit different to Grosse Pointe. Many of these designer’s are […]
Hugh T. Keyes is one of Grosse Pointes most prolific designers; during the 1930’s he constructed some of the finest homes in the community. When he completed 635 Lake Shore “Woodley Green” in 1934 for then president of First National Bank of Detroit, Emory W. Clark, he created one of Grosse Pointes most distinctive homes. […]
There are many interesting streets throughout Grosse Pointe. These streets are filled with engaging stories, precious gems by grand masters, a window into the past, along with many historical finds. Over our series of blog posts we have profiled the following: The pure style of the first block of Bishop Presented Middlesex as the most […]
While Grosse Pointe has an abundance of wonderfully designed homes in numerous architectural styles, designed by some of Detroit’s top creative talent there are instances when you come across something a little bit special. These homes are unique, from the architects who worked on them, to the buildings that inspired them. Recently we covered the […]
We recently introduced you to 560 Cadieux Road and the emergence of the Arts and Crafts movement in Detroit (and the United States) towards the end of the 19th century. Already a popular movement in Europe, thanks to William Morris, many architects in the US had started to be influenced by this emerging architectural trend. […]
59 Lakeshore is an exceptional home. Not only is it one of the few remaining 19th century homes in Grosse Pointe it may also be one of Albert Kahn’s earliest residential designs. The home was commissioned in 1892 by Joseph Berry for his daughter Charlotte and her new husband Henry Sherrard. Berry was a prominent […]
We recently profiled the work of Richard H. Marr, known as the ‘Architect of Midwest Millionaires’, who created upper end homes for some of Detroit’s wealthiest families. It is believed Marr designed over 14 stunning homes in Palmer Woods, most of which were in the Tudor Style, and over seven residences here in Grosse Pointe. […]
In 1835 a Frenchman named Michael Cadieux bought the land, which is now known as Cadieux road. It was one of the many ribbon farms that dotted the waterfront in Detroit and the Grosse Pointes during that era. The Cadieux family has a long and rich history in the Detroit area and Cadieux road is a landmark […]
The rich portfolio of historical buildings we find in Grosse Pointe can be attributed to many of Detroit’s architectural masters, some of which are noted nationally. Many of these designers created a large collection of homes in the community, Robert O. Derrick being one of the most prolific with over 25 buildings to his name, […]