A 1920s Mansion Built In the Golden Automotive Era of Detroit
This property is listed for $4,750,000 by Jeffrey Llaneza of Signature Sotheby's International Realty.
Remnants of a long lost golden era, this amazing mansion looks like something out of The Great Gatsby. However it’s a remnant of the Golden Automotive Era, when Detroit was once an elite American city.
In 1903 Henry Ford founded the Ford Motor Company, within a decade Ford's assembly line concept would set off a revolution in auto manufacturing and make Detroit the automotive capital of the world.
The city of Detroit saw its population skyrocket from 285,000 in 1900 to over 1.5 million in 1930, growth of more than 426%. At its peak, Ford’s River Rouge plant had more than 100,000 workers alone, and a new Model T rolling off the assembly line every 49s. Industry was booming.
Riches from the manufacturing industries spilled over to other industries too, and like New York, Detroit's wealthy used their fortunes to build incredible mansions. Many still remain today, and on the shores of Grosse Pointe this one may be the cream of the crop.
The home was designed in 1929 by Smith, Hinchman & Grylls for Hal H. Smith, a partner in the prominent law firm: Beaumont, Smith and Harris, and a known patron of the arts.
Interestingly, Smith, Hinchman & Grylls is one of the oldest and largest architectural firms in America. Today known as SmithGroup, in 2018 Architectural Digest listed it among the top 50 architectural firms in the US.
This 14,500+ sq ft home sits on nearly 2 acres with 200’ of water frontage. Inside, one finds a 2 storey, 1000 sqft library. It’s really something to see; the walls are covered with walnut panels and bookcases which have 2 hidden staircases connecting the upper and lower levels. 21 feet above, the curved ceiling features a mural depicting angels and the Seven Deadly Sins. It took local artist Andrzej Sikora nearly a year to paint.
The rest of the home has 5 luxury bedrooms with ensuite baths, mural painted ceilings throughout, as well as a third floor screening room. Outside you can find a bluestone patio with heated inground pool, and greenhouse. In front, there is a 4 door garage with space for 6 cars.
