Gatzaros Residence

LOCATION: Grosse Pointe, MI
YEAR: 2001


The owners of this existing 1930s Lakeshore Residence wished to extensively renovate their aging home, as well as add space that would respond to its view of Lake St. Claire while making the house more livable.

The 10,000 ft2 French Eclectic-style house had previously undergone the addition of 1970s-style solariums and did not have an attached garage. The architect added a three-car attached garage and enclosed connector. The garage recalls details of the original house, such as the copper-roofed bay window. The interior spaces adjacent to the new construction were reconfigured to provide a new spacious kitchen and a convenient pantry and mudroom. The exterior was unified through the addition of a colonnade and matching portico. In addition, new balustrades surround the extended terraces and give the house a visual base. The existing solariums were replaced with a lighter system, affording less obstructed views to the water along the rear of the house. New entries were designed for the front and rear.