Sunday I visited a show house! This house sits at 78 Lake Shore Road in Grosse Pointe Farms. I wish I could share with you the entire beauty and feel of this area. Grand homes line the roadway. Majestic old trees line the streets - trees that have stood the test of time. Lake St. Clair - breathtaking. If you enjoy an interesting story that will be found here as well.
This French Normandy style home was built in 1928 and designed by Detroit architect Hugh T. Keyes. It is referred to as The Dwyer/Palms House. Keyes designed the house for Marie Louise Fleitz Dwyer, the widow of Francis Thomas Dwyer. Francis and Marie Louise were married in 1900. Marie Louise was the daughter of a grain merchant, Michigan lumber baron and landowner. Francis's father was a successful iron stove manufacturer. Francis became founder and President of Standard Foundry Company and Director of Peninsular Stove Company. He died suddenly in 1912 at the age of 43. He and Marie Louise had one daughter, Marion Mark Dwyer, who was eight years old.
A few years after the death of her husband Marie Louise built a mansion at 81 Lake Shore Road on property owned by the Fleitz family. Her sister and brother-in-law moved in with Marie and Marion. On Marion's 20th birthday she married Charles Louis Palms, Jr. He came from a family of landowners as well. They were also one of the original incorporators of the Detroit, Mackinaw and Marquette Railroads.
In 1928 Marie Louise commissioned this home at 78 Lake Shore Road. Marion and Charles and their children moved into the 6500 square foot mansion with Marie Louise. This is when the house became known as "The Palms House".
Eventually Marie Louise's sister built at 80 Lake Shore Road - right next door - and the original mansion at 81 Lake Shore Road was later demolished and the land subdivided. Since becoming "The Palms House" only two other families have lived in the home.
The current owner has lived here for 30 years and graciously turned over his home to The Junior League of Detroit for use as their show house. During this time he had the kitchen fully remodeled as well as a couple of the baths. Profits from this project will go towards The Junior League of Detroit's Project Literacy Program. The owner is scheduled to move back into his home at the end of this month.
No pictures were allowed inside the home but here are a few from the program so you can get an idea of what some of the rooms were like.
The exterior is like something right out a fairytale. Wouldn't is be a great backdrop for a movie!
It's not every day one gets to spend time in a home that rests waterside on Lake Shore Road. I am glad I got the chance. I loved all it's history and the general tranquil feeling of the home. It is a true treasure.
