Biography on architect alfred hopkins

The farm group built for Frederick Vanderbilt in 1901 was a specialized type of farming complex desinged by Alfred Hopkins and Edward Burnett. Hopkins was an influential architect that specialized in the design of farming complexes for the American capitalist during the Gilded Age. Burnett was a self-proclaimed farm “expert” who developed farming operations for many of the nation’s wealthy elite and often managed the farms for the first year or two to man them operational. Hopkins and Burnett designed some of the country’s most extraordinary farms in partnership before World War I. Their work, particularly architectural style, established the standard for farm architecture and influenced an entire generation of architects.

A key element of the American country house movement and of the country place itself was the illusion of an independent landed existence created by farming an estate. Farm groups were typical, if not characteristic, of the country estates built

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Welcome to 15410 Windmill Pointe

Last week we presented the story of 354 Washington, a fabulous Georgian Colonial style home designed by John Scott completed in 1912. The property was one of the earliest homes to be constructed on the first block of Washington.

This week we travel to Windmill Pointe to visit another iconic home, 15410 Windmill Pointe. The sprawling estate was completed in 1924, bygd Alfred Hopkins & Associates for William Pickett Harris, Jr. an investment banker and a significant authority on zoology.

15410 Windmill Pointe is a splendid English Manor style home located on the shores of Lake St. Clair. The 9,599 sq ft property is constructed from sandstone with rough stucco that provides a superb blend of textures and colors. The exterior is awash with exquisite details – rainspouts are capped off with carvings of clipper ships, while grabb carved gargoyles keep an eye over the archways. The initials of Wi

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Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe – Historic 355 Lincoln

Last week we presented the history of St. Clare, parish school and church. The origins of the parish date back to 1923. In 1927, the first parish school opened, designed by Van Leyen, Schilling & Keogh. The new church was dedicated in 1953, designed by Diehl and Diehl. This week we head to 355 Lincoln, one of the most distinguished homes in Grosse Pointe City. The 8,700 sq ft English Manor was designed by the renowned New York based firm Alfred Hopkins & Associates for Dr. Theodore McGraw, Jr. The gardens were designed by legendary landscape architect Ellen Biddle Shipman.

355 Lincoln was completed in 1923. It is a striking property and markedly prominent in the community. The house has beautiful architectural details inside and out, so much so it requires viewing the home several times to notice all the many elements. The exterior is particularly interesting, much of the trim work around the