Entries by Katie Doelle

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club.

Those of us who drive Lake Shore on a regular basis always enjoy the sight of the GPYC. Even from Lake Shore Road, one can’t help marveling at the clubhouse with its imposing Venetian architecture and soaring187-foot bell tower — especially on a foggy day when the tip of the steeple pokes above the mist […]

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – F. Caldwell Walker House, aka the Vendome Mansion.

We have so enjoyed covering the work of notable architect Robert O. Derrick we thought we would cover one more of his projects – the F. Caldwell Walker House, also known as the Vendome Mansion. Having lived in Grosse Pointe for a number of years Robert O.Derrick had become a prominent figure and his buildings […]

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – the Punch and Judy Theater, Grosse Pointe Farms.

After covering several projects by architect Robert O. Derrick – lets take a look at another of his prominent creations – the Punch and Judy Theater. Residential architect and designer of the Henry Ford Museum Robert O. Derrick was becoming a prominent architect in Grosse Pointe, having designed the ‘Little Club” (1923) and “Bellmoor”, 15420 […]

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe –50 Lake Shore Drive, also known as “Edgemere”.

Edgemere, one of the first grand year-round homes in Grosse Pointe and home to Joseph Berry in 1882. Joseph Berry was a prominent figure in the Grosse Pointe community in the late nineteenth century. As a teenager he had moved with his family from Richmond, VA to Detroit in 1855. At the age of sixteen […]

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe –78 Lake Shore, also known as the “Dwyer/Palms House”.

Lets take a look at a prolific and versatile Grosse Pointe architect, Hugh T. Keyes and his work at 78 Lake Shore. Hugh Tallman Keyes was a noted early 20th century architect. His work centered on creating grand estates for the industrialists of Metropolitan Detroit (clients included Ford, Bugas and Mennen) and he is considered […]

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe –15420 “Bellmor”, Windmill Pointe, Grosse Pointe Park.

After covering the “Little Club” and the work of architect Robert O. Derrick, lets take a look at another project of his – 15420 Windmill Pointe, Grosse Pointe Park. Commissioned by John Bell Moran, the Morans had been a prominent family in Detroit for almost 180 years. John B. Moran was part of the family […]

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe –The Grosse Pointe Club, also known as The “Little Club”.

Lets take a look at one of Grosse Pointes most recognizable buildings – The “Little Club”. Grosse Pointe has always had a diversity of clubs. One of the earliest was the Country Club of Detroit, originally designed by Albert Kahn in 1907, it served as a hub for social life of early Grosse Pointe. In […]

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Architect – Albert Kahn

We couldn’t cover the architectural history of Grosse Pointe without mentioning Albert Kahn, the genius architect who designed and built over 14 important buildings in the community. Kahn was born in Rhaunen, Germany in 1869. He arrived in Detroit, in 1880 aged 11. As a teenager he landed a job at the architectural firm of […]

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – The Edsel and Eleanor Ford House

Lets take a look at one of Grosse Pointes favorite buildings – The Edsel and Eleanor Ford House. Everyone living in Grosse Pointe has been to the Ford house at least once, it is one of those buildings you just can’t help but fall in love with. With its beautiful English Cotswold design, stunning gardens […]

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – The Wiliam B. and Mary Chase Stratton House

Whether you have been a resident of Grosse Pointe your whole life, of new to the area you will be familiar with the wonderful work from the Pewabic Pottery. The studio is known for its irresistible glazes, some of which is on display at notable galleries such as the Louvre. The pottery was founded in […]