Entries by Katie Doelle

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – 290 Provencal

Last week we delved deeper into one of the gardens designed by Ruth Bramley Dean – 354 University Place, Grosse Pointe. The property was completed in 1914, by Detroit based architect F. Gordon Pickell for Charles Bagley DuCharme. However, the garden was created for Mrs. Elizabeth Bonbright – who had purchased the home from Mr. […]

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – 354 University Place

Last week we continued our profile of nationally recognized female landscape architects as we explored the work of Eleanor Roache, and Ruth Bramley Dean. Together, along with Ellen Biddle Shipman, they helped spearhead the growth of landscape architecture during the early 20th Century. They were not only pioneers in their field but helped create many […]

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Female Landscape Architects

Last week we focused on the work of Ellen Biddle Shipman, a nationally renowned landscape architect who was known for her formal gardens, simple clean geometries, and lush planting style. Shipman, throughout her career, created over 650 gardens, including at least 60 in Grosse Pointe – more than any other community in the United States. […]

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Ellen Biddle Shipman

Last week we profiled Norval Wardrop, a well-known architect in Detroit at the beginning of the 20th Century. Aside from working on numerous commercial projects he also created fine homes for prestigious clients, including 319 Lincoln in Grosse Pointe. This week we focus on the work of Ellen Biddle Shipman, a nationally renowned landscape architect […]

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Norval Wardrop

Last week we explored an historic home with a bit of a mystery. 1004 Audubon in Grosse Pointe Park was completed in 1918, for Detroit Judge P. J. M. Hally. The original address of the property was 16213 E. Jefferson; however, the home underwent a change of address when part of the lot was sold […]

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – 1004 Audubon

Last week we stopped by 900 Sunningdale. This 1930’s “modern family home”, completed in 1937, was a Detroit Free Press Home-of-the Week in March 1938. It was designed and built by F. F. Hannan, Inc. This week we look at an historic home with a bit of a mystery. 1004 Audubon in Grosse Pointe Park […]

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – 900 Sunningdale

Last week we explored 242 Lewiston, a unique residence that is situated on a significant slope and designed accordingly to fit into its surroundings. The French Country style home was completed in 1929, for Realtor George McMahon, having been designed by the multi-talented Wallace Frost. This week we visit 900 Sunningdale. This 1930’s “modern family […]

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – 242 Lewiston

Last week we concluded our exploration of Woodland Place with a visit to number 6. Completed in 1925, this 4,876 sq ft home was created in an English architectural approach. The house was commissioned by Harry Seymour Finkenstadt and was designed by Robert O. Derrick – his second project on the street. This week we return to the […]

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – 6 Woodland Place

Last week we took a closer look at 2 Woodland Place, the venue of this year’s GPHS gala. Completed in 1928, 2 Woodland Place sits on 1.4 acres and overlooks Lake St. Clair. It was architect Robert O. Derrick’s third project on the street and was extensively remodeled by Hugh T. Keyes in 1941. This […]

Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – 2 Woodland Place

Last week, in anticipation of the Grosse Pointe Historical Societies annual gala, we revisited the historic road of Woodland Place, a narrow street, paved with bricks, and home to several unique residences. The majority of the homes constructed in the 1920’s (5 in total) were built by just a handful of noted architects. This week […]