Think of elegant homes nestled among winding streets. This is Palmer Woods in Detroit. It is more than just a neighborhood. It is a testament to Detroit’s rich history and architectural beauty.
Palmer Woods is named after Thomas W. Palmer. He was a prominent Detroit citizen and a U.S. Senator. Palmer’s estate once stretched from Six Mile to Eight Mile Road. He donated land for Palmer Park and the Michigan State Fairgrounds.
After Palmer’s death in 1913, developer Charles W. Burton bought part of the estate. Burton envisioned an exclusive neighborhood for Detroit’s wealthiest citizens. He hired landscape architect Ossian Cole Simonds. Simonds designed gently curving streets that capitalized on the area’s natural beauty. He created a park-like atmosphere. There are no curbs here. This minimizes the transition from street to lawn. Each lot has a unique shape.
Many Colonial Revival and Tudor Revival homes were built between 1917 and 1929. In 1938, the neighborhood received an award. The Michigan Horticultural Society recognized it as the finest platted subdivision in Michigan. More mansions were constructed after World War II.
Palmer Woods is known for its stunning architecture. Elm-lined streets showcase large brick and stone homes. These Tudor Revival homes sit back from the street. They feature contiguous lawns. Lots are large. They provide ample room for trees. Some homes have coats of arms. Some have leaded or stained glass windows. Elevators can even be found. Some properties include guest houses or maids’ quarters.
Palmer Woods boasts its own security service. It also has an active neighborhood association. The neighborhood has attracted prominent citizens. Physicians, politicians, and business owners call Palmer Woods home. Charles W. Burton himself lived here.
Two of the Fisher Brothers also lived in Palmer Woods. Alfred and William Fisher owned Fisher Body. William Fisher’s former house is at 1791 Wellesley Drive. It is one of the largest in Detroit at 35,000 square feet. Alfred J. Fisher’s former mansion is at 1771 Balmoral Drive. John H. Kunsky the founder of United Artists theatres also lived here.
Almost every house in Palmer Woods has unique architectural features. The Dorothy H. Turkel House stands at the southern edge of the district. It is the only house in Detroit designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. C. Howard Crane designed John H. Kunsky’s home. He incorporated theater elements into the design. Minoru Yamasaki and Leonard B. Willeke also designed houses here.
The Bishop Gallagher residence is a significant house in Palmer Woods. It is located at 19366 Lucerne Drive. It is also known as 1880 Wellesley Drive. The Fisher brothers built the 62-room mansion in 1925. They hired McGinnis and Walsh to design the Tudor Revival structure. The Fisher brothers gifted the property to Bishop Michael Gallagher. He was from the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Detroit. The home is 40,000 square feet. It is the largest within the city of Detroit.
The two-story brick building has a large central structure. It is flanked by diagonal wings. The exterior includes medallions shields and crests. A copper statue of the Archangel Michael defeating Satan is also displayed. The interior features oak stone and masonry. The residence once had the largest collection of Pewabic glazed pottery tile in Michigan.
Bishop Gallagher lived here until his death in 1937. Subsequent archbishops also lived in the home. In 1989, the archdiocese sold the mansion to John Salley of the Detroit Pistons. Bishop Wayne T. Jackson of Great Faith Ministries International bought the property in 1995. He used it as a home and offices. In 2017, a real estate developer bought the mansion for over $2.5 million.
Today, Palmer Woods continues to be a sought-after neighborhood. Its beautiful homes and rich history make it a unique place to live. As you stroll through Palmer Woods, take a moment to appreciate the architectural gems. Feel the sense of community that defines this remarkable Detroit neighborhood.