As with all forms of art it is always good to remind ourselves of the classics – a Jane Austen novel, a play by Molière, a painting by Constable or a turn of the century summer cottage on Lake Shore. The last remaining summer cottages on Lake Shore are few and far between, but a […]
When we think of Albert Kahn’s work in Grosse Pointe we naturally gravitate towards his large-scale projects, such as the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House, 257 Ridge Road, the Grosse Pointe Shores Municipal Building and 880 Lake Shore (to name but a few). However, when you reach the corner of Lake Shore, by the Ford […]
During his amazing career Albert Kahn designed around 400 buildings in Metro Detroit, and at least 20 in Grosse Pointe. Two of which are on the same street.* The Albert Kahn houses of Ridge Road are within walking distance of each other, located at 273 and 257. Both are equally striking, constructed within a year […]
Nestled in the middle of Balfour, is house number 745, and like many homes in Grosse Pointe it has an interesting tale to tell. For behind the attractive, understated exterior is the interior of one of Metro Detroit’s most outstanding homes, and a house full of stories. The Beginning: The story begins with its construction […]
During the era of substantial growth in Grosse Pointe many of the residences that were constructed were designed by the leading architects of the time, including Albert Kahn, Robert O’Derrick, William B. Stratton, and Marcus Burrowes. Several of these designers remain household names within Metro Detroit. However, what about the architects who were prominent at […]
When it comes to finding the most interesting street in Grosse Pointe there are several that lay claim to the prize. There is the historic district of Beverly Road, the architectural gems on Kenwood and Cloverly with homes designed by some of the most prominent architects to work in Grosse Pointe. The historical homes on […]
We couldn’t cover the modern homes of Grosse Pointe without featuring the work of Michigan’s most prominent modernist architect Alden B. Dow. He designed more than 70 residences, along with dozens of churches, schools, civic centers, and commercial buildings. His home in Midland made the 2014 list of “The Top 25 Best Historic Homes in […]
Grosse Pointe contains only a handful of truly modernist homes. What we lack in volume we more than make up in quality. Most of the surviving homes are jewels created by noted masters. What makes this all the more special is that several of these masters chose to create their personal residence here. One excellent […]
This article includes research from Brian Vosburg, and his excellent architectural blog: grossepointemodernism.blogspot.com The houses of Grosse Pointe offer a wonderfully rich and varied style of architecture. Over the years there have been many changes in architectural style around the communities, but when William Kessler designed the house for William Hawkins Ferry, it was a considerable departure from the […]
Two very talented men, one beautiful house – welcome to 330 Lincoln, one of Grosse Pointe’s most notable residences, designed by George William Graves and home of Cameron B. Waterman, inventor of the outboard motor. 330 Lincoln was built in 1911, and stands on Lincoln, at the corner of Maumee in the village of Grosse […]