The Modern Colonial Work of Omer C. Bouschor – Part 2

Last week we covered the Tudor work of Omer C. Bouschor. During his career, this Detroit based architect created well over 29 homes in the community – more than many other architects.

The architectural style(s) that influenced Omer C. Bouschor’s homes in Grosse Pointe could be described as be defined by two very distinctive approaches. From the residences we have presented there is a distinct shift from his Tudor Revival homes of the 1930’s, through to the modern colonial homes he created between 1935 and 1954.

This week we explore the 15 modern colonial homes he created across the Grosse Pointe communities. Given that Bouschor’s 14 Tudor inspired homes (during the 1930’s) are clearly the work of a man who was adept at one particular architectural style, it is incredible to think he could so seamlessly transition into designing handsome colonial homes.

Having worked primarily in Grosse Pointe Park during the 1930’s Bouschor, in the 1940’s, began to work in the Farms and the Shores. From the list below you will see just how many superb homes he created during this period.

1935
113 Merriweather

This is one of the earlier homes to display a change in style to his modern colonial approach. Constructed from brick, with a clapboard front on the second floor, this 3,500 sq ft home is poles apart from the Tudor homes he was predominantly creating during the 1930’s, and was possibly his first project in Grosse Pointe Farms.

1936
15127 Windmill Pointe Drive

1939
759 Berkshire

1117 Bishop

505 Middlesex

1940
103 Vendome

715 Trombley

This 3,790 sq ft house is very different from his other modern colonial homes of this era. This architectural style has strong influences from the early modern approach. As you will see from the photo’s below this house, over the years, has undergone a significant transformation.

825 Park Lane

1941
15701 Windmill Pointe Drive

400 Washington

A classically designed 2,600 sq ft symmetrical central entrance colonial home. This was an exceedingly popular style throughout Grosse Pointe during this era, and this is a superb example of this approach.

655 Balfour

Unlike many colonial homes, this house has an asymmetrical layout. The residence has a large foyer (17’ x 11’ sq ft) a wood paneled library, elevator and a pub style room in the basement.

1948
55 Renaud

1950
67 Sunningdale

1951
26 Harbor Hill

One of Bouschor’s later designs, this is a gracious colonial home with a central entrance and a two story foyer. Constructed from brick this 3,877 sq ft home features a sweeping staircase, a servant’s wing over the garage, and a large Palladian window on the second floor above the main entrance.

1954
44 Newberry Place

This is possibly the last home he created in Grosse Pointe. Designed in the Cape Cod style this home is 3,196 sq ft constructed from brick, and is a significant departure from his modern colonial projects. The front elevation is symmetrical, while the dormers on the second floor give this home a lot of charm.

The work of Omer C. Bouschor is very interesting indeed. Once you start to analyze the homes he designed, the Tudor homes in particular are incredibly distinctive. It took many years for people to recognize Leonard B Willeke’s contribution to the community, lets hope, over the coming years Omer C. Bouschor will receive the same level of acknowledgement as Willeke.

Over the coming weeks we will continue our exploration of these equally prolific, highly skilled yet lesser known architects – there are quite a few.

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

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