Kenwood Road – the Designers’ Collection: Part 2

After recently profiling the first block of Kenwood Road – ‘the Designers’ Collection: Part 1’ – we continue with our exploration of this roads stunning homes. Having presented the French inspired residences designed by Raymond Carey – numbers 51 and 100 – we continue this trend with a look at the work of D. Allen Wright.

D. Allen Wright. D. Allen Wright was a talented designer; he created the Headmaster’s House at Cranbrook School (in 1930), two homes on Kenwood long with two French Inspired homes on Cloverly Road. His creations on Kenwood are once again excellent examples of the French Provincial approach. House number 79 (completed in 1925) is particularly noticeable and typifies the qualities associated with this architectural style that were present during this period. The detailed brickwork around the front door is impactful. Wright also created the French inspired home – number 104 – in 1928.

House Number 90 – architect unknown. Also influenced by French architecture, house number 90 was built in 1926. The front façade and the roof are particularly distinctive, as is the entrance with the wrought iron above the door.

J. Ivan Dise. J. Ivan Dise created a large number of homes in Grosse Pointe (17 that we know of) and the distinctive Farms pumping station in 1929. The majority of his work in Grosse Pointe occurred during the 1920’s and 30’s including three collaborative projects with fellow Detroit architect Clair William Ditchy. His houses are some of the most attractive in the area, and here on Kenwood he created two stunning homes:

Number 130 (original number 50) – Tudor Revival – 1926

Original Number 26 (now believed to be number 60) – Tudor Revival –1927

130 Kenwood is an English Tudor style home built for Matilda Dodge in 1926. It is one of the larger Dise homes in Grosse Pointe. An impressive design with exquisite detailing both inside and out, this residence includes an elaborate Tudor inspired entrance – the house number carved into the stone above the door is particularly charming. Not to be over shadowed by the exterior, the interior features an oak paneled library, a leaded glass bay window and beautiful carved plaster detailing.

26 Kenwood was built for lawyer Cleveland Thurber in 1927 – we believe this is now house number 60. The design has obvious similarities with house number 130, and is just as striking.

George D. Mason. 109 Kenwood was built in 1929 and has been described as one of the grandest homes in Grosse Pointe Farms. George D. Mason, during a career lasting over 50 years, created many historic buildings in and around the city of Detroit, including several homes in Grosse Pointe, 9 of which are still standing (that we know of). Mason created this English Tudor style residence for Lynn McNaughton, Vice President of sales at Cadillac. The home features an abundance of highly decorative details, as you would expect from a home of this grandeur, along with superb craftsmanship throughout. You can read the full story of this home, and its interesting history by clicking here.

House number 110 is a beautiful English Tudor inspired residence designed by R.A Colder in 1927.

House number 56 is a superb Colonial inspired residence created by H.H Micou in 1929.

Hugh T. Keyes. Finally, lets not forget the work of one of Grosse Pointe’s most prominent architects Hugh T. Keyes. Having created over 20 fine homes in the Grosse Pointe’s Keyes is considered to be one of the most versatile architects of the period, and is arguably one of the most diverse architects to ply his trade in the community. Here on Kenwood Keyes designed Number 78 in 1928 – a stunning Cotswold Tudor residence.

As we conclude our journey up Kenwood Road, it is worth mentioning that aside from the impressive collection of homes on display, there is also the splendid collection of Silver Maple trees. The trees, located on the right hand side as you head up the street from Grosse Pointe Blvd, are what remain of the nuns walk – a double line of maple trees that originally ran from the formal gardens of GP Academy to where Kercheval is today.

So take a walk up Kenwood Road and enjoy the collection of exquisite homes on display, you won’t be disappointed.

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

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