Late architect Louis Kamper, described as one of the most impactful designers in Detroit, has built many structures throughout the area. Two of his most well-known projects are the Italian Renaissance-style Book Building constructed in 1917, and the incredible Book Tower built in 1926. In 1923, he went on to design the 33-story Book Cadillac Hotel, which at the time was the tallest hotel in the world, according to HistoricDetroit.org. He was also instrumental in transforming Washington Boulevard into Detroit's most opulent and successful retail destination.
Along with commercial construction, he also utilized his talent in residential builds, including those still found at 1 Rathbone Place, 251 Lincoln, 16761 East Jefferson, 836 Edgemont Park, 1008 Buckingham, and 175 Merriweather Road in Grosse Pointe.
In addition, Kamper designed a luxury French Châteaux that used to stand on the property at 15440 Windmill Pointe in Grosse Pointe Park, which was built in 1921. The home, erected right on the shores of Lake St. Clair, really highlighted his extraordinary talent.
The 6,000-square-foot mansion, originally built for prominent resident Herbert V. Book, was constructed of limestone and topped with a steep roof of block slate and many other unique elements. No expense was spared. According to the Grosse Pointe News in 1978, the build itself cost around $650,000 (which would be approximately $9.5 million today), with an additional cost of $50,000 for the land (around $700,000 today).
Upon entering, one would be dazzled by the foyer and stair hall, which were constructed entirely of marble. Walking into the enormous living room, which extended across the entire east wing of the house, allowed a view that overlooked the 200-foot wide frontage. Outside the massive windows were the terraced lawn, lovely gardens, and, of course, the stunning lake. Also featured on the first floor of the home were the dining room, library, bar room, vault, activities room, and multiple powder rooms.
The second floor boasted seven large bedrooms, six full bathrooms, four dressing rooms, and a large sitting room. The third floor contained five servants' bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and storage.
Outside, the estate encompassed a stone carriage house containing a four-car heated garage on the main floor with an entire apartment consisting of a living room, kitchen, bath and three bedrooms above. Also on the property were a workman's shed, a large greenhouse, a fishpond, concrete boat well, and an electric boat/seaplane hoist.
Unfortunately, this grand estate was lost to a fire started by vandals after Charles P. Helin purchased it in 1945. He was the owner of the Helin Tackle Company and inventor of the "Flatish" fishing lure, which made him a millionaire. In addition to destroying the house, the flames also wiped out the largest private butterfly collection in the world. Helin was so heartbroken that he never returned, and sadly, in 1978, this grand estate was completely demolished.
In 1979, this beautiful lakefront double lot totaling almost two acres was purchased by Ingida and Elizabeth Asfaw. "After we purchased the lot, we didn't build on it right away because we had young children and were really afraid they might wander into the water," says Elizabeth. "So, we waited until we thought they were old enough to respect the lake."
The present two-level house, completed in September of 1993, is open concept and encompasses well over 6000 square feet. It features five bedrooms, five full baths, and two half baths. From the front door, one can see right through the house to the lake. The couple's daughters Sofya and Zewditu, and son Engeda, who goes by his middle name Selemon, loved growing up in the home.
The landscaping is lush and green and it's almost like having one's very own private park. "We always liked the community and the old fashioned neighborhood," she says. "We liked the grass and the yards where the children could run and play. But we also liked living close to Detroit and the many activities it offered."
Being right on the lake allowed the family to enjoy all it had to offer, including sailing lessons for the children. "You get a very good view of the lake, and we enjoy watching the sailboats, motorboats, and freighters," says Elizabeth. "It's nice to be able to walk down to the lake without having to walk across Jefferson. And at night, when there's a full moon, it's really beautiful to have the reflection of the moon on the water."
Elizabeth's late father used to come by and fish right from the bank. "He would catch five different varieties of fish because every spring, the fish would spawn right at our site because Mr. Helin did something that attracted the fish to this area," she says"
Today, the couple's children are all successful adults, and Ingida and Elizabeth have decided to put the home up for sale. The couple have enjoyed living there, but now, with the maintenance and having to walk up and down the stairs, it's getting too hard. They wish to stay in the beautiful community, though and hope that another family will love the house and the property as much as they have over the last 32 years.
To find out more about this home and to embrace the property's amazing history, contact broker and Realtor Jeff Meldrum at @properties Christie's International Real Estate by going to jeffmeldrum.com or by calling 586-630-1139.
"We always liked the community and the old-fashioned neighborhood," she says. "We liked the grass and the yards where the children could run and play. But we also liked living close to Detroit and the many activities it offered."