An Exploration – Part 1: Roslyn Road

One of the more intriguing things about living in Grosse Pointe is the array of architectural styles that are visible on every street in the community. There are the older homes, and the more modern residences, homes created by some of the states leading architects, properties with architectural significance, and the homes that may not have been created by a noted designer, but are utterly charming.

Having recently previewed the houses on several prominent roads in Grosse Pointe Farms (most recently Kenwood Road) our thoughts turned to exploring some of the other roads that are part of the five cities. Many of the roads in the community have a superb collection of homes featuring some real gems that we may barely notice. We might not know much about their history, or the architect who created them, but many of these homes are unique and are certainly worth talking about.

Over the next couple of weeks we will be profiling several roads throughout Grosse Pointe, and highlighting some interesting finds. We start our exploration with the first block of Roslyn Road (from Lake Shore to Morningside Drive) in Grosse Pointe Shores.

Many of the homes on this block were created from 1940 onwards. However, in amongst them are several older residences – built between 1920 and 1930 – that are not only attractive but have some delightful details.

Lets start with house number 21 – this 4,400 sq ft Colonial was built in 1922 making it one of the older properties on the block. The design features an excellent example of a rounded gable over the main window above the porch, providing the house with a neat formal appearance.

House number 25 is created in an English Cottage style. Built in 1922 the 3,857 sq ft asymmetrical brick and stucco residence displays many typical characteristics associated with this approach, including a steeply pitched roof, an over scaled chimney on the side elevation, and multiple small windows. This style was extremely popular from 1920-1940.

Number 40 is particularly interesting and has many unique details, including the intricate brickwork around the windows, the tiled roof, along with the cute little gargoyle above the bay window. Built in 1927, the 3,845 sq ft Tudor Revival home features stucco and timbering on the front façade. The historic photo below shows how much the area surrounding the home has changed over the years.

House number 65 was also built in 1927 and is a rather striking Georgian Colonial design.

Number 29 is great example of the French Provincial style. Built in 1928 the 3,437 sq ft residence displays several characteristics typically associated with this style including a rectangular door set in an arched opening, a tall second story window, and a stone exterior. French style architecture was extremely popular in Grosse Pointe during the 1920’s through to the 1940’s, and this is an excellent example of this approach.

House number 56 was also built in 1928 and is the work of architect George W. Graves. The Colonial Revival design has excellent detailing on the exterior, including a symmetrical front façade, accented doorway with evenly spaced windows on either side, detailed brickwork, and two eyebrow dormers in the roof. Graves was by no means a prolific architect in Grosse Pointe, however prior to creating this home on Roslyn he had designed 24 Beverly Road in 1914 (Grosse Pointe Farms), 1040 Bishop in 1923 (Grosse Pointe Park) and 330 Lincoln in 1911 – the splendid home for the inventor of the outboard motor, Cameron B. Waterman.

Finally, house number 60 is an excellent example of a Tudor Revival home, which was built in 1930.

The first block of Rosyln Road is just one of the many streets throughout the community that features a myriad of architectural styles. As you walk down your street take a look at some of the homes on display, there is something new and interesting to see everyday.

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

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