Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe

Last week we went to Grosse Pointe Park to explore 1009 Yorkshire. This stunning center entrance Colonial was completed in 1936, for Clarence E. Bleicher, president of DeSoto Motors. It was one of a significant number of homes constructed for prominent figures, during what was a remarkable period of growth in Grosse Pointe Park.

This week we are going to present the work of architect Earl G. Meyer. During his career he was a respected and prolific architect associated with the design of school buildings in southeastern Michigan. We recently featured the four projects he completed for the Grosse Pointe Public School System during the 1950’s, created in a modern architectural approach one would associate with this era. Images courtesy of The Detroit News; usmodernist.org (Michigan Society of Architects, 1957); and GoogleEarth.

Poupard (1951) – Grosse Pointe Woods (closed 2020)
Ferry (1954) – Grosse Pointe Woods
Barnes (1956) – Grosse Pointe Woods (closed 1984)
Brownell (1958) – Grosse Pointe Farms

From an article in Michigan Society of Architects (1957) we understand outside of the community Earl Meyer designed multiple schools in southeastern Michigan, including:

James B. Edmonson elementary school – Madison Heights
John MacGowan elementary school – Redford Township
Redford Union District No.1 junior high school -– Redford Township
Kendallwood elementary school – Farmington
William Grace elementary school – Farmington
Berkley high school – Berkley
Anderson junior high school – Berkley
John Norup junior high school – Berkley
Jesse P. Wolcott junior high school – Van Dyke
Lincoln high school – Van Dyke
McKinley elementary school- Van Dyke
Lamphere elementary school – Royal Oak
Samuel B. Dixon elementary school – Detroit
Pershing high school – Detroit

Earl G. Meyer was born on 4 September 1903, in Ann Arbor. Having graduated from the University of Michigan in 1927 with a degree in architecture, he continued his studies at the school with a master’s degree in the science of architecture, graduating in 1933. He then began his career with the firm of Lane, Davenport and Meyer (making vice president in 1935). It was also around this period (in August 1934) he married Gertrude W. Johnstone of Detroit, and together they had three children.

While Meyer was a partner at Lane, Davenport and Meyer, it is apparent the company was responsible for the design of Burton elementary school and Pattengill elementary school for the Berkley School District. We understand that Meyer, at various points in his career, was involved with the design of multiple school buildings for the district. The exception being Angell elementary school, which was created in 1924, by architecture firm Smith, Hinchman and Grylls, with later additions by Meyer.

In 1946, it was reported Mr. Meyer opened his own firm. At this stage of his career, he became heavily involved with the design of school buildings. By the mid 1950’s Meyer began his first of several key roles he would hold with the Detroit Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). He also became a director of the Michigan Society of Architects and was then elected president of the Fine Arts Society of Detroit in 1967.

Aside from his work on school buildings, Earl Meyer created at least one home in Grosse Pointe, 324 Touraine, which was his own home (completed in 1938). The contemporary style 3,264 sq ft property, (built by Frederick Pugh) was in keeping with the growing International style homes that had begun to emerge in Grosse Pointe during the mid-late 1930’s. What makes this house so interesting is the configuration of the five narrow windows on the second story (just above the entrance). Also catching the eye is the superb brickwork on the front elevation framing the entrance, the first floor living room window, the corners of the home, along with the dentil (several small, rectangular blocks resembling teeth, used as decoration) that run along the entire front elevation. Just as fascinating are the sharp angular shapes along with the low-pitched hip roof. At the time of completion, it appears the brick was a light sandstone color however, as the photo below demonstrates the house has undergone a significant transformation in color. From our files it appears Earl Meyer owned the property until he listed and sold it in 1963. Color image courtesy of: GoogleEarth.com

Prior to the sale of his home Earl Meyer purchased 140 Tonnancour in April 1963. Completed in 1957, our files report the house was designed by the widely respected and talented architect Carl Habermas for Mr. A. D. Krentler. Mr. Habermas specialized in residential and commercial projects, creating many homes in the Metro Detroit area in an array of architectural styles. This included numerous projects in his much sought after Art Deco and Mid-Century Modern approach.

As the photos below show, the 3,600 sq ft house is very different to the modern architectural style that Earl Meyer employed in much of his own work. The brick built French style home has a superb example of mansard roof, a rare find in the Grosse Pointe communities. The brick built four-bedroom residence features several fine architectural features, including a marble floor in the foyer, a large bay window, a glass curtain in the living room, and multiple built-in cabinets. It is reported the audio equipment in the house was second to none. Earl G. Meyer first listed 140 Tonnancour for sale in November 1971. It appears he and his wife still owned the home when he passed on 14 April 1973. The property was sold shortly after in May 1973. Color image courtesy of: GoogleEarth.com

As with so many architects who began their careers during the 1930’s, Earl G. Meyer contributed a significant amount of work, and yet hasn’t received the recognition he deserves. Thankfully we can continue to uncover their history and the phenomenal designs so many of these architects created.

* Photos courtesy of the Higbie Maxon Agney archives unless stated.
** Research, information, and data sources are deemed reliable, but accuracy cannot be fully guaranteed.

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