Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe

Last week we reviewed the work D. Allen Wright, from 1930 onwards. It was during this phase of his career that he transitioned from creating his French inspired homes of the late 1920’s, into a designer that focused on modern International style residences and a series of state of the art houses.

This week we conclude our presentation on D. Allen Wright as we visit what is arguably his most prominent creation in Grosse Pointe, 166 Ridge Road – a stunning French inspired property he completed in 1927, for Charles F. Lambert, president of the Clayton & Lambert Manufacturing Company.

Running through the heart of Grosse Pointe Farms is Ridge Road, one of the communities most historic streets. Based on research by the Grosse Pointe Historical Society, we understand, in 1885, most of the land between Ridge and Mack Avenue in Grosse Pointe Farms, was a heavily wooded swamp that extended several miles north and south. The nuns at the Grosse Pointe Academy (known as the Sacred Heart Academy in that era) owned the land that ran from the convent, via Kenwood, all the way to Ridge Road, and used much of it for farming. Fast-forward to the 1920’s and Grosse Pointe Farms was quickly transitioning from the farming community that was once such an integral part of the area to an affluent suburb for prosperous families and their grand estates.

Part of the transformation included 166 Ridge Road. Built in 1927, it was the new home of Charles F. Lambert, having been designed by D. Allen Wright, who had created the house in a French Normandy approach. This style had become popular in the U.S shortly after the First World War when French chateaus were a model of inspiration. Typical traits of this style include a turret toped by a conical cone-shaped roof, a steeply pitched roof, stone or a brick façade, an arched opening to the main entrance, tall flat chimneys, along with an asymmetrical configuration to the home.

The front of 166 Ridge is exquisite. Aside from the huge two-story turret, one of the more defining features is the front entrance with its stunning brickwork. Color image courtesy of: Realtor.com.

The interior of this 4,945 sq ft home, is filled with beautiful craftsmanship. The turret has a spiral staircase and a narrow stained-glass window. The main floor had, a one point, a large 14’ x 18’ ft dining room, an 18’ x 20’ ft living room with a beamed ceiling and dark cherry wood paneling. There was a bedroom for the maid, along with an 8’ x 11’ ft breakfast room that overlooked the large court garden which was surrounded by a brick wall. The second floor featured five bedrooms. The large 18’ x 28’ ft master bedroom had a natural fireplace, while the bedroom at the opposite end of the house opened onto a balcony. Second image: Michigan Architect and Engineer (1929).

The original owner of 166 Ridge, Charles Frederick Lambert, was born on 23 December 1896, in Ypsilanti. During his career he became president of the Clayton & Lambert Manufacturing Company. The company began in Ypsilanti, Michigan in 1882, when the three Lambert Brothers (Charles’ uncles) started a business that manufactured the sale of gasoline burning torches, used in the soldering of pipes. It was reported, after adding a patented firepot (for melting lead) to the product line, the business grew quickly. In 1887, the firepot’s inventor, Mr. Clayton, joined the partnership. By 1899, demand for the company’s products had increased beyond its production capacity and the brothers decided to move to larger premises in Detroit. In 1915 the Company established a metal stamping division for the manufacture of automotive parts. It was reported, “after the war times were good and business was booming. The metal stamping plant was sold to Hudson Motor Car Company. Clayton & Lambert, now headed by Charles F. Lambert, moved into a new factory in 1929, and it continued to thrive.” Source: Coachbuilt.com

During the 1940’s the decision was made to move the headquarters of Clayton & Lambert to Louisville, Kentucky. Charles Lambert and his wife, Dorothy, needed to relocate and subsequently listed 166 Ridge for sale. From a letter in our archives (dated 1943) it is apparent Mr. Lambert approached Higbie Maxon for a valuation, and to manage the sale. Paul Maxon, based on market conditions, valued the home between $35,000 and $45,000 (around $843,000 today). At the time the home was comparable with several other large prestigious homes (in the area) that were on the market – 80 Touraine, 75 Kenwood and 33 Hendrie Lane. Based on the economic conditions of that era it appears few houses in the area (of that size) listed at over $40,000 had sold. However, from our files the home was eventually sold in 1946 to a buyer (name unknown) in the trucking business.

A couple of years after D. Allen Wright completed 166 Ridge he adapted his style quite significantly, transitioning from his French inspired homes and adopting a more modern approach to his work. You can read the full story of Wrights career by clicking here and here.

166 Ridge is a delightful home. It is one of several wonderful examples of French inspired residences that can be found around the Grosse Pointe communities, created during a time of change, prosperity, and architectural transformation.

* Photos courtesy of the Higbie Maxon Agney archives unless stated.

** Research, information, and data sources are deemed reliable, but accuracy cannot be fully guaranteed.

Written by Katie Doelle

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