78 Kenwood, Grosse Pointe Farms

Last week explored one of Minoru Yamasaki’s residential projects in greater depth – 664 Shoreham, Grosse Pointe Woods.

This week we head to 78 Kenwood Road – arguably one of the finest examples of an English Cotswold inspired home in all of the Grosse Pointe communities. Hugh T. Keyes completed it for Edward Macauley, in 1928.

Edward Macauley was the son of Alvan Macauley, president of Packard Motor Car Co. and president of the Automobile Manufacturers Association. Alvan Macauley was also responsible for many outstanding achievements such as the first diesel engine to lift a plane from the ground, piloted by Charles A. Lindbergh. Source: history-computer.com/. Alvan Macauley had three children, Alvan Macauley Jr. (1896-1982), Edward (1902-1957) and Margaret (1904-1973). He resided at 735 Lake Shore – located on 52 acres the grand Albert Kahn Tudor inspired home, completed in 1930, was arguably one of the grandest estates in Grosse Pointe. It was demolished, in 1973.

Alvan’s youngest son, Edward, was a gifted automotive designer in his own right. He had a long career at Packard in the position of director of the new styling department and the Packard Custom Body Shop, which first opened in 1932. During his career Edward created the Twin Six Macauley speedster, a series of concept cars, and the Packard Panther, in 1951.

The Macauley family was particularly fond of the Tudor and Cotswold styles. 78 Kenwood (the original address was 20 Kenwood) is a prime example of this approach, masterfully handled by Hugh T. Keyes. Traditional Cotswold cottages are famous for their stone-clad beauty. The warmth of the stone walls vary in color from honey-colored, gold and ginger tones. Many of the homes in the Cotswold region of England feature the smaller stones, as displayed on 78 Kenwood. Traditionally, the color of the stone varies as you travel through the Cotswolds region, from the iron oxide-rich, almost ginger tones of northern towns such as Chipping Camden, to the golden hues of Stow, through to the pale cream, silver grey and honey hues of Stroud in the south. Source: https://www.realhomes.com.

78 Kenwood is a 5,400 sq ft residence constructed of concrete block, and clad in ginger-colored stone. Large leaded windows, limestone trim and the steeply pitched slate roof are perfect hallmarks of this approach. Our files contain a letter from the office of Hugh T. Keyes to Edward Macauley detailing the costs of the residence as follows:

1. Cost of contract – $57,500
2. Extra wall, plastering basements ceiling, additional footings and foundations etc – $3,778.76
3. Refrigerator Box – $585.00
4. Refrigeration Unit – $424.00
5. Architectural Fee – $4,951.74 (around $77,000 today)
6. Total – $67,239.50 (around $1million today)

The main floor features an 18’ x 30’ sq ft living room, a 16’ x 18’ sq ft dining room and a 13’ x 17’ sq ft library. The second floor contains a large 18’ x 24’ sq ft sitting room along with four main bedrooms, and two additional bedrooms for maids. In 1930, an appraisal conducted by R.L. Maxon estimated the market value of the property to be around $79,038 (around $1.2million today). Edward Macauley passed in 1957. It appears 78 Kenwood was listed for sale, in 1958, for $85,000 (around $760,000 today).

The architect, Hugh T. Keyes, was one of the most prolific architects in Metro Detroit. His work spanned several decades and crossed many significant periods of architectural styles, including Tudor Revival, Georgian, and his signature Regency Moderne approach. Keyes received many prestigious commissions, creating several grand estates for the industrialists of Metropolitan Detroit. He designed multiple homes in Grosse Pointe; the majority of his commissions in the community were between the 1920’s through the early 1950’s. His work also included making extensive additions to older mansions for modern living.

Prior to Edward Macauley’s home being completed, his older brother Alvan Macauley Jr., the banking commissioner of Michigan; and vice president of National Bank of Detroit, moved into a residence across the road at 79 Kenwood. Completed in 1925, the French Provencal style home was designed by D. Allen Wright, who designed at least 15 houses (that we know of) in Grosse Pointe. Many of his projects are large French inspired homes.

78 Kenwood is a stunning Cotswold styled residence, created for a talented designer, by a truly gifted architect. In a community awash with English inspired homes this is an excellent example of this very detailed, and specialized architectural approach.

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

Written by Katie Doelle