Discuss Detroit » Archives - Beginning January 2006 » Movers and Shakers of Metro Detroit businesses: Grosse Pointe vs. Bloomfield Hills « Previous Next »
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Darwinism
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Username: Darwinism

Post Number: 288
Registered: 06-2005
Posted From: 69.209.155.236
Posted on Thursday, December 15, 2005 - 10:29 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Many of the business leaders, entertainment celebrities, sports figures and other influential individuals are residing in these 2 areas. Please share your thoughts in regards to the major similarities and differences in your own experiences about the wealthy and powerful residents of Grosse Pointe and of Bloomfield Hills. Other avenues of characteristics such as the history of these neighborhoods, the architectures, the real estate values and etc. are also welcomed.
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Treelock
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Username: Treelock

Post Number: 68
Registered: 03-2005
Posted From: 67.149.59.223
Posted on Thursday, December 15, 2005 - 10:58 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Very apropos thread considering your posting name, Darwinism.

Having once lived in GP, I'd point out one huge, obvious difference, which is that that area is far more pedestrian friendly than Bloomfield Hills. And While you get your share of shiesters in both burgs, I might venture to say GPers are perhaps slightly more down-to-earth creatures. Perhaps this is due to its location smack alongside the economic devastation of Detroit's east side. Bloominghammers can literally stay firmly ensconced within their little oasis and never have to acknowledge the existence of the underclass. GP is a little more isolated. I mean, to get to Somerset many of them have to pass through the ghetto!
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Mackinaw
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Username: Mackinaw

Post Number: 1072
Registered: 02-2005
Posted From: 141.213.173.94
Posted on Friday, December 16, 2005 - 12:29 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

GP: better location, architecture, schools, lakefront.

The biggest difference: one community has some degree of urbanism and the other "community" doesn't. Alright I'm taking my swipes but you know about me.

These days, I wouldn't hesitate to say that more of metro Detroit's movers and shakers live in Bloomfield. Professionals new to the area are also steered to the OC, and it doesn't help that most of their places of employment are in Troy, Southfield, or beyond. Detroit and it's old mainstay commutter suburb don't even come to most people's mind. Still, GP has the most impressive luxury home districts in Michigan, whether it be Windmill Pointe, Kercheval to Jefferson in GPC and GPP, Beverly/McKinley Pl in GPF, the Ridge Rd/GP Blvd. vicinity in the Farms...and parts of Lakeshore.

Each of the Grosse Pointes have large middle class areas with fairly modest houses, let's not forget. These neighborhoods, especially in the Farms, City, and Park, are much more cohesive with more beautiful homes than the comparable areas in Bloomfield.

GP still has some impressive names, and some of Detroit's better attorneys, doctors, businesspeople and entrepreneurs. There are still Fords, Van Elslander, media personalities, etc.

GP's woes include now under-funded schools and stagnant home values (imagine a waterfront commuter suburb of Chicago or NY having this problem).

Take your pick. My take is that the better community is at a disadvantage, at least for now, in terms of attracting the movers and shakers, but that surely doesn't tell the whole story.
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Treelock
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Username: Treelock

Post Number: 69
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Posted From: 67.149.59.223
Posted on Friday, December 16, 2005 - 12:42 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

The Grosse Pointes also seriously lack for good dining options. And there's positively nothing late night. Over there it's mostly country/yacht clubs, Italian, or a long drive.
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Mackinaw
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Username: Mackinaw

Post Number: 1073
Registered: 02-2005
Posted From: 141.213.173.94
Posted on Friday, December 16, 2005 - 1:07 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

It's not a long drive to downtown Detroit.

There is plenty of good dining on Mack and Kercheval in all the Pointes but the Shores. From The Hill (GPF) or Andiamo in GPW to more humble, down-home sorts of places like Janet's Lunch in GPP. And to repeat, being 10-20 minutes from downtown opens up a whole new world of dining options.

GP also has a lot of distinctive small businesses that keep the community flair.
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Susanarosa
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Username: Susanarosa

Post Number: 585
Registered: 11-2003
Posted From: 208.39.170.77
Posted on Friday, December 16, 2005 - 11:53 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Old Money v. New Money
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Northend
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Username: Northend

Post Number: 527
Registered: 10-2005
Posted From: 69.217.229.122
Posted on Friday, December 16, 2005 - 12:01 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Lincoln v. Mercedes
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Darwinism
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Username: Darwinism

Post Number: 289
Registered: 06-2005
Posted From: 69.215.30.34
Posted on Friday, December 16, 2005 - 1:37 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

According to this thread; https://www.atdetroit.net/forum/mes sages/5/61255.html?1134600344

as many as 3 NFL owners reside in Grosse Pointe. That is quite a compliment to the influence, prominence and wealth. I am confident there are NBA owners, NHL owners or MLB owners in the Bloomfield Hills area at some point in time. Perhaps it is a testament to both communities in terms of the type of makers and shakers in Metro Detroit.
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Mackinaw
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Username: Mackinaw

Post Number: 1075
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Posted From: 141.213.173.94
Posted on Friday, December 16, 2005 - 3:16 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Yeah, and now Chris Webber lives in GP, in one of my favorite houses, off Jefferson on the lake in eastern GPP.

The trend for fresh money, such as most athletes, is certainly to Oakland County. I'm fairly confident that's where the Tigers and Lions take high profile players for tours of the area. It was documented in the paper for Percival, and I'm guessing they did the same for Rogers, because he commented in the News that "the areas outside Detroit are really nice." He better be damn good or else....

But you know, this is probably what most newcomers to the area think, people who are recruited out of college to work here...even if their jobsite is in Detroit perchance, they'll probably be given assurances that things aren't that bad here, you can live in Bloomfield.
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Jt1
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Username: Jt1

Post Number: 6225
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 4.229.99.156
Posted on Friday, December 16, 2005 - 3:57 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)


quote:

Lincoln v. Mercedes




Paid off v. mortgaged to the nines
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Fishtoes2000
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Username: Fishtoes2000

Post Number: 60
Registered: 06-2005
Posted From: 66.238.130.148
Posted on Friday, December 16, 2005 - 4:51 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Are you comparing Bloomfield Township or the City of Bloomfield Hills? The latter is quite relatively small and exclusive. According to Wikipedia, "Bloomfield Hills is the fourth richest city in the United States with more than 1,000 households. It is the richest city outside of California or Florida."

And it includes Cranbrook.
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Jelk
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Username: Jelk

Post Number: 3664
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 141.217.119.161
Posted on Friday, December 16, 2005 - 5:04 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Why does everyone think Grosse Pointers are so rich? When I lived there we couldn't afford to wear socks in the summer. Most of my neighbors were the same way.
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Keystone
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Username: Keystone

Post Number: 208
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 63.241.158.33
Posted on Friday, December 16, 2005 - 6:35 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Draw a 5 mile circle around each and count the rooftops. For the Grosse Pointes, half of the circle is in the water, and a big chunk is over a blighted area of Detroit. There just isn't enough people to justify much retail or restaurant activity. And, the few golf/yacht clubs suck up a lot of the 'entertainment' dollars with monthly minimums.
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Mackinaw
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Username: Mackinaw

Post Number: 1076
Registered: 02-2005
Posted From: 141.213.173.94
Posted on Friday, December 16, 2005 - 8:20 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

GP is way more dense than anything in the Bloomfield area, and when added up, there is an impressive population.

Grosse Pointe Park: 12,443 people, 4,816 households...density: 5,772.6/sq. mile. Dense urban residential along the western border, Indian Village style residential with some very spread out streets like Three Mile. Interesting retail, dining, and markets on all thoroughfares leading into Detroit north of Jefferson, minus St. Paul.

City of Grosse Pointe: 5,670 people, 2,388 households...5,297.9/sq. mile. (GP City is only a mile wide and .75 to 1.25 miles north to south.) It contains the "Village" shopping district on Kercheval, and is the downtown for all of GPs. The village is surrounded by some of GPs most modest old homes, similar in alot of ways to Ann Arbor I say.


Grosse Pointe Farms: 9,764 people, 3,804 households...density: 3619/sq. mile. Has a little retail but mostly dining and office on "The Hill", and residential offerings range from dense middle class near the post office at Warren/Mack to estate districts like Beverly, Cloverly, Vendome.

GP Woods: 17,080 people, 6,531 households...5,237.3/sq. mile. More people, more area...mostly post WWII homes, the 1950s version of the American dream. Only retail is along Mack.

GP Shores: 2,823 people, 1,058 households...2,470.6/sq. miles. Basically the king-sized GP Woods, but some older huge residences along Lakeshore Dr. Partially in SE Macomb County.

--------

City of Bloomfield Hills: 3,940 people, 1,520 households...density: 796.4/sq. mile. Whoa!

Bloomfield Township: 43,023 people, 16,804 households...density: 699.7/sq. mile. Big whoa!

I won't even go into West Bloomfield, but it is a MEGA township with something like 60,000 in population and a similar density to the other Bloomfields.

---------

So the fairest comparison is between B- Township and the City of B-Hills v. all of the GPs.

Population: about 48,000 for the GPs v. about 47,000 for the Bloomfields. But CHECK OUT THE DENSITIES. It is staggering. GP makes a strong case as an urban style suburb, heck, the average lot is 40-60 feet wide in GP. That's why the five mile circle idea doesn't work, very simply put. And if you draw that circle, you see that for some of GP you are already half way downtown with that circle, putting downtown, again I say, much closer to the center of the GP world than the center of the Bloomfield world.

The Bloomfields, West Township included, are 85-90 percent white. The GPs are 90 to 97 percent white. So we're not talking about a huge difference in diversity between the two. And where Bloomfield has a large Jewish population, the Grosse Pointes have a decent sized Mediterranean/Balkans population, especially the west Park.
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Jasoncw
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Username: Jasoncw

Post Number: 62
Registered: 07-2005
Posted From: 67.149.141.170
Posted on Friday, December 16, 2005 - 10:38 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

"GP makes a strong case as an urban style suburb"

I agree.

Why are there so many Grosse Pointes instead of just one?

"When I lived there we couldn't afford to wear socks in the summer."

LOL, so that's why no one wears socks, but then why do Grosse Pointers wear socks with sandals? :D
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Dsmith
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Username: Dsmith

Post Number: 78
Registered: 07-2005
Posted From: 68.41.202.23
Posted on Friday, December 16, 2005 - 10:39 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

For the posters that are debating the 'urbanness' of each of these areas you need to remember that Birmingham is the 'urban core' of the Bloomfields. An accurate grouping of the wealthy Oakland county cities would be 48302 (Bloomfield Twp), 48304 (Bloomfield Hills), 48009 (Birmingham) and 48025 (Franklin/Bingham Farms). Basically the Telegraph-Woodward corridor from Orchard Lake to 12 mile. Many of the 'Lakes Area' residents (Orchard Lake, Sylvan Lake, West Bllomfield) also identify with this area.
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Mackinaw
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Username: Mackinaw

Post Number: 1077
Registered: 02-2005
Posted From: 141.213.173.94
Posted on Saturday, December 17, 2005 - 12:34 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Right, Birmingham, like Pontiac and Mt. Clemens, is a fairly old settlement with tons of new growth around it. Nonetheless, it's hard to quarrel with the population density numbers of the Grosse Pointes.

Jasoncw, great question. Grosse Pointe had two or three stages of development, but certainly not five. I think the oldest three, which are very cohesive and about the same age, may have been planned to be three different districts. We'd have to ask a historian.
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Motorcitymayor2026
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Username: Motorcitymayor2026

Post Number: 265
Registered: 10-2005
Posted From: 71.10.63.140
Posted on Saturday, December 17, 2005 - 12:37 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

The Pointes are more urban the Bloomfield Hills...the differences that that factor make are numerous, and are really the main differences between the two
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Cozmikdebris
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Username: Cozmikdebris

Post Number: 78
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 69.14.153.177
Posted on Saturday, December 17, 2005 - 5:16 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)


quote:

Many of the 'Lakes Area' residents (Orchard Lake, Sylvan Lake, West Bloomfield) also identify with this area.



Speaking of lakes, what about Lake Angelus? I've heard it's also terribly exclusive, with very expensive homes. Anyone know anything about this village, or know someone who lives there?

(Message edited by cozmikdebris on December 17, 2005)
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Lmichigan
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Username: Lmichigan

Post Number: 2779
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 67.172.95.197
Posted on Saturday, December 17, 2005 - 5:21 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I think SusanaRosa hit the nail right on the head. It's New Money vs. Old Money, and which one you happen to prefer if any at all.
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Susanarosa
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Username: Susanarosa

Post Number: 587
Registered: 11-2003
Posted From: 70.229.125.80
Posted on Saturday, December 17, 2005 - 8:15 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

My best friend in High School grew up on Lake Angelus. That was some serious money.

Now it's a lot more built up and not as exclusive, still expensive though.
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Gistok
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Username: Gistok

Post Number: 1621
Registered: 08-2004
Posted From: 4.229.6.210
Posted on Saturday, December 17, 2005 - 10:00 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

.... and with old money, lots of it is in trust funds, etc. So although a Bloomfielder may make more money than a Grosse Pointer, they also probably have more bills to pay, since the old money folks have their mortgages paid off.

Also, there is a growing restaurant district in St. Clair Shores between 9 & 10 Mile Rd, known as the Nautical Mile. It includes an Andiamos, a Fishbones, Jefferson Beach Grille, and lots of other options on or near the water. That spot is just a 5-10 minute drive for most Grosse Pointers.
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Mackinaw
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Username: Mackinaw

Post Number: 1078
Registered: 02-2005
Posted From: 141.213.173.94
Posted on Saturday, December 17, 2005 - 10:11 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

It's growing...but it's always been pretty good. Some GP-ers are really into it, and some pretend it's not there. I really like Jack's on the lake.

Andiamo's really has this part of town covered...Jefferson at 9, Mack below 8, Ren Cen.
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The_rock
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Username: The_rock

Post Number: 999
Registered: 11-2003
Posted From: 68.42.251.225
Posted on Saturday, December 17, 2005 - 10:41 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Several favorite watering holes have been mentioned in the above posts, but many GPers dine at Bucci Ristorante in the 20000 block of Mack Ave in the Woods. They don't advertise in "The little Blue Book" and they don't have a liquor license, but their food is out of this world. Word of mouth has put this little gem on the map.
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Dream
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Username: Dream

Post Number: 113
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 65.143.133.82
Posted on Monday, December 19, 2005 - 3:52 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Bloomfield Hills

Positives:
-large lots
-privacy
-green spaces & rolling terrain
-many small all sports lakes
-newer construction
-abundant luxury retail nearby at Birmingham & Somerset Collection
-large variety of restaurants & retail
-excellent public & private schools
-great private clubs & golf courses
-Cranbrook

Negatives:
-not a walkable community
-limited supply of pre 1930s mansions
-if you own a yacht you have to dock it on the east side
-much of the newer construction is uninspiring
-prestige factor: outside of Michigan very few people have heard of Bloomfield Hills

Grosse Pointe

Positives:
-Stunning collection of pre 1940 homes
(Similar to parts of Detroit, including downtown, many of the existing homes were built during 1910 -1930 when Detroit was booming and some of the finest architects were engaged to create architectural masterpieces with little expense spared)

-while many areas have an affluent community with some great old houses, the sheer size of Grosse Pointe is unique. One can literally walk for hours viewing the great architecture.
-Lake St. Clare
-a very walkable community, when the weather is nice the streets are filled with runners, walkers
and bikers
-proximity to Detroit
-diverse housing stock ranging from charming bungalows to lake front estates
helps provide for a more economically diverse community
-has an urban/historic feel
-3 charming shopping districts which include some historic buildings:
- the Village, the Hill, Kercheval in the Park
-national reputation as one of the country’s finest affluent communities
-excellent municipal lake front parks
-excellent public & private schools
-mature trees and 1920s architecture give the area a well worn comfortable feel
-home to some of the nations most highly regarded private clubs such as the GP Yacht Club, GP Club “Little Club”, CC of Detroit and GP Hunt Club
- name recognition: has been the focus or feature of at least 2 movies, many books and even a TV
series.
-Grosse Pointe War Memorial
-Edsel & Eleanor Ford House

Negatives:
-small lots, especially for luxury homes
-lack of privacy for the well known
(except for Provencal Road, all streets are easily open to the public with most houses fairly close to the sidewalk)
-very little room for new construction
-large pre 1940 homes require much greater maintenance and many in need of
renovation/updating
-limited national retail
-still perceived by some as a snobbish community

Sample of current “mover & shaker” residents:

Bloomfield Hills
William Davidson
- Billionaire
- Guardian Industries
- Detroit Pistons
-Detroit Shock
-Tampa Bay Lightning

A. Alfred Taubman
Robert T. Taubman
- CEO/Taubman Centers

Roger Penske
- Penske Automotive

Terry Adderley
- Kelly Services

Eugene Applebaum
- Arbor Drugs

William F. Pickard
- Regal Plastics

Richard Dauch
- Amrican Axle & Gear

Anthony F. Earley, Jr.
-CEO/DTE
Robert J. Eaton
Gary Cowger
-GM
John Devine
-GM

Irma Elder
- Car Dealer
- Elder Ford/Jaguar
David Handleman
-Handleman Company

John Rakolta (Terry)
- Walbridge & Aldinger

David Fischer
- Car Dealer
- Suburban Collection
Marilyn Kelly
- MI Supreme Court justice

Geoffrey Nels Fieger
- Attorney

Henry Baskin
- Attorney

Eugene Hagopian

Thomas Celani
- Casinos

Richaed Golden
-DOC

J. T. Battenberg
- Delphi Automotive

Wayne Cherry
-famed auto designer

Kenneth Whipple
- COB - CMS Energy

Anton Letica
-Letical Corp.

Grosse Pointe

William Clay Ford (Martha Firestone) GPS
- Billionaire
- Detroit Lions

Richard Manoogian GPF
- Billionaire
- MASCO

Manuel J. “Matty” Moroun GPS
- unconfirmed net worth of over $600 million per Forbes
-owns the Ambassador Bridge, 5% of Detroit-Windsor Tunnel
-owns CenTra Inc. - fifth largest private trucking company in US
- owns portion of Citizens Bank, owns an insurance company and large parcels of land in southwest Detroit including Michigan Central Depot

Elena A. Ford (Joseph D. Rippolone) GPF
- Elena is Director of Ford’s North American product marketing, planning & strategy
- great great granddaughter of Henry Ford
- daughter of Stavros Niarchos & Charlotte Ford

Archie Arthur Van Elslander GPS
-Art Van Furniture
-4th largest furniture retailer in the U.S.

John A. Boll, Sr. (Marlene) GPS
- Chateau Communities, Inc. - Publicly traded on NYSE as CPJ, operates as a REIT
-owns 212+ manufactured home sites (70,000+ homes)
and 1,400+ park model/RV sites
-operates in 36 states
- helped fund new downtown YMCA

Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. GPS
-Buffalo Bills
-insurance
-Ralph C. Wilson Enterprises - diversified management and investment
company with interests ranging from highway construction to venture capital to
ownership of 2 TV stations and construction co. in Denver

Paul D. Alandt (Lynn McNaughton Ford) GPS
- Car Dealer
- Lynn is the daughter of the late Benson Ford

Edsel Bryant Ford, II (Cynthia Layne Neskow) GPF
- Ford heir
- great grandson of Henry Ford
- CEO/President - Pentastar Aviation

Anthony L. Soave GPF
-former owner of City Management Corp,
-sold company in 1997 for $780 million

Robert G. Liggett, Jr GPS
-Elias Bros. Restaurants Inc. owner of “Big Boy” restaurants

John W. Stroh, III GPF
- Stroh Companies, Inc.

James B. Nicholson GPF
- PVS Chemicals Inc.

Maurice M. Taylor GPF
- Titan Wheel International, Inc.
-world's largest producer of wheels for off-road vehicles
-1996 Republican Presidential Candidate

Michael J. Malik GPS
-casinos

Anita Baker GPC
(Walter Bridgforth, Jr.)
- Anita - famed singer, second most Grammys won by
a female artist after Aretha Franklin
- Walter Bridgforth, Jr. - WBBJ Investment Co./Developer

Keith E. Crain GPC
- Crain Communications

Gretchen Carhartt Valade GPF
-Carhartt Inc. heiress
- Mack Avenue Records
-recent $10m donation to Detroit Jazz Festival

Mark R. Valade GPF
- son of Gretchen Carhartt Valade
- CEO & President/Carhartt, Inc.

Ted Gatzaros GPP
Dimitrius “James” Papas GPS
-developers and former business partners
in 2000 sold interest in Greektown Casino
for $212 million
Nico Gatzaros GPC

Cullan F. Meathe GPF
- Metro Cars, Inc.


Atanas Ilitch GPF
- Olympia Development

Thomas Lee Schoenith GPC
- The Roostertail

Todd V. Callewaert GPF
- Owner/Island House Hotel on Mackinaw Island and Rybas Fudge Shops

Joseph P. Kaiser GPF
- Gallagher-Kaiser Corp.
Robert S. Kaiser GPP
- President/Gallagher- Kaiser Corp

Edward K. Christian GPF
-Saga Communications Inc.
-radio broadcast co. which owns
13 FM & 8 AM radio stations

Peter A. Schweitzer GPF
-Chairman/ J. Walter Thompson Co.
-former CEO/President of J. Walter Thompson Co.

Richard S. Crawford GPF
-The Crawford Group, LLC

Alfred R. Glancy, III GPF

Matthew P. Cullen GPS
- GM

James E. Brock, Jr. GPF
- Middleton Moldings

Kirk H. Gibson GPF

Richard Golden GPP
-Golden Form Inc.

John M. Olson GPF
- JM Olson Co.

Anthony J. Selvaggio GPF

Chester “Chet” A. Huber GPF
-President - OnStar Corporation

Robert E. Marowske GPF
-Flame Furnace Co. (founder & CEO)
-MI's largest heating & cooling contractor

Mathew J. Moroun GPF
- Vice Chairman/CenTra Inc.

William P. Vititoe GPC
- Director/Comerica

Jack Perlmutter GPF
- famed interior designer/Perlmutter-Friewald, Inc.
Daniel Clancy GPF - famed interior designer/Perlmuter-Friewald, Inc.
Dexter Joseph “DJ” Kennedy GPC
- famed interior designer
Dominic C. Pangborn GPS
-Pangborn Designs
-best known for ties

William C. Rands III GPC
-Rands Investment Co.
-Sagres Partners, LLP

James Randolph Agley GPP
- Talon Inc.

Gebran S. Anton GPC
-Anton, Zorn & Associattes
-commercial & industrial real estate brokerage
-helped redevelop downtown Mount Clemens

William F. Coyro, Jr. GPP
-National TechTeam Inc.

Robert E. McCabe GPW
- retired President of Detroit Renaissancee (71-93)
- helped start the Detroit Grand Prix, Montreaux Detroit Jazz Festival, assisted in creation of Hart Plaza, completion of Renaissance Center
-Detroit News - 1982 Michiganian of the Year

Mariam C. Noland GPF
- President/Community Foundation for Southeastern MI

Thomas R. Andris GPP
-Arrow Uniform Co.

Roger Fridholm GPP
- Of Counsel Enterprises, Inc.


Paul J. Stanford GPP
-Car Dealer/Les Stanford Chevrolet
Kenneth G. Meade GPP
- Car Dealer
-The Meade Group Inc.
-Meade Lexus-Lamborghini, Pointe Dodge, Champion Chrysler, Cars & Cars Inc.
Gordon L. Stewart GPS
-Car Dealer
Joseph Ricci GPF
- Car Dealer
Arthur J. Roshak GPF
-Car Dealer

Maura D. Corrigan GPP
- Chief Justice of MI Supreme Court
Robert P. Young, Jr. GPP
- MI Supreme Court Justice
John P. Jacobs GPF
- Attorney
- appellate defense attorney
- referred to as “The Anti-Fieger”
- has defeated Geoff Fieger
in 12 out of 13 appeals


Edward Irving Book GPS
Herbert V. Book, Jr. GPC
John Lord Booth II (Rebecca) GPS
Ralph Harmon Booth II
-Booth American Co.
Louise C. Booth GPF
Cynthia Book Bowen GPF
Kevin P. Broderick GPF
Wilber Marion Brucker, Jr. GPF
Thomas Christian Buhl (Lindsay Zeder Ford) GPF
- Thomas: - son of Lawrence D. Buhl, Jr.
- Lindsey - great-great-granddaughter of Henry Ford
Thomas Campau, Jr. GPC
William R. Chapin GPC
Frank Couzens III GPF
C. Howard Crane, II GPF
-heir of famed architect
Timothy M. Crowley GPP
Mary Anne Dodge Donaher
- Dodge heir
Peter Anthony Dow GPF
Lawrence DuMouchelle GPF
Charles Thomas Fisher III GPF
-Fisher Body heir
-former CEO of NBD
Alfred J. Fisher, Jr. GPS
-Fisher Body heir
Alfred J. Fisher III GPF
-Fisher Body heir
-President/Fisher & Co.
Michael R. Fisher GPF
-Fisher Body heir
-Fisher & Co.
Walter Briggs Fisher GPF
John Battice Ford, III GPF
Walter Buhl Ford, III GPS
Emory Moran Ford, Jr. (Anne Virginia Fisher) GPF
Harvey C. Fruehauf, Jr. GPF
H. Richard Fruehauf, Jr. GPF
-HRF Resources, Inc.
-Fruehauf Trucking
H. Richard Fruehauf, III GPF
Christopher Gamble GPF
Stephanie Germack GPF
- Germack Pistachio Company
Hugo Scherer Higbie (Marion Chapin) GPF
- Higbie Maxon Agney
George M. Holley, Jr. GPS
Arthur B. Hudson GPF
Gilbert Hudson GPC
Joseph Lowthian “JL” Hudson, Jr. GPF
Robert Jewett GPF
James Thayer McMillan III GPF
-Ferndale Laboratories
Jeffrey J. Palms GPC
Robert J. Petz, Jr. GPF
- Dodge heir
Richard Booth Platt GPF
-Proform Automotive
Edward Charles Roney, Jr. (Eleanor M. Couzens) GPF
Frank J. Roney GPF
John Stephen Scherer GPF
- R. P. Scherer heir
-pharmaceuticals/inventor of gell cap
Joseph A. Simon GPF
Peter R. Stroh GPP
Pierre A. Stroh GPF
Whitney W. Stroh GPF
David J. Woodward GPC
Barbara Wrigley GPF
George A. Wrigley GPF


Bob Allen GPF
- Web General Manager/Crains Detroit Business
Scott Lewis GPP
- Reporter/Fox Ch. 2
Leon D. Mandel, IV
-Autoweek
Nancy Nall GPW
- Writer
Michael Novak GPS
- VP Brass Ring Productions
- Attorney
Devin G. Scillian GPP
-WDIV Ch. 4 News Anchor
Paul W. Smith GPP
- Radio personality/WJR -760 AM
John E. Smyntek GPF
- Writer
Pete Waldmeir GPW
- Writer

and in conclusion....
Dr. Bader J. Cassin GPF
Dr. Ljubisa J. Dragovic GPF
-Oakland County’s Chief Medical Examiner since 1991
Dr. Werner U. Spitz GPS
Dr. Daniel J. Spitz GPF
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Mackinaw
Member
Username: Mackinaw

Post Number: 1081
Registered: 02-2005
Posted From: 141.213.173.94
Posted on Monday, December 19, 2005 - 4:24 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Paul W. has a fine house on Bishop. I'll also add Henry Ford Hospital System Pres. Gail Warden who lives on Washington at Jefferson unless I'm mistaken.

And tons and tons of well reputed attornies, doctors, and other professionals.

Great info, Dream!

I agree with your take on the two communities overall. While GP largely has moderate size lots, (usually 40-60 ft. by 80-200 ft. north of kercheval and 50-100 ft. by 100-200 ft. south of Kercheval), there are plenty of exceptions. A person looking for a more suburban or estate style lot can usually find one, even in the more urban and older GPs. I grew up on a 50' wide but 280 foot deep lot in GPC. If you're familiar with the area you can guess what street this is. The super-rich can also have huge lots on the order of 200 by 200 or even more along the Ridge and GP Blvd. corridors in GPF, and on streets like Buckingham, Devonshire, Three Mile, Windmill Pointe Drive. It is a shame though that so much of the lakefront and near-lakefront properties, especially in the city and farms, have been divied up for subdivisions.

Do you have a favorite area of GP, Dream? I'll take Three Mile or lower Berkshire in Park, Washington in the City, or Touraine in the Farms. The 5 westernmost streets in the Park get big votes from me for livable and diverse urbanism...what Detroit needs to regain more of.
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Ltorivia485
Member
Username: Ltorivia485

Post Number: 2247
Registered: 08-2004
Posted From: 70.225.112.1
Posted on Monday, December 19, 2005 - 4:32 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

If I was an urban planner, I would build single-lot homes since Detroit is known for having high home ownership rates. Near the corners of every street corner I would construct three-story tall apartments/condos to shade the streets and homes and possibly attract businesses to the busier streets. The goal is to create a pedestrian-friendly urban environment while at the same time make the city look and feel suburban.

(Message edited by ltorivia485 on December 19, 2005)
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Gistok
Member
Username: Gistok

Post Number: 1631
Registered: 08-2004
Posted From: 4.229.72.28
Posted on Monday, December 19, 2005 - 5:02 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Mackinaw, you forgot Kenwood in the Farms.... :-)

The Farms is my favorite of the GP's (the only hilly spot on the east side). I love the names of streets in the Farms..... Vendome, Tonnacour, Touraine....

With my 83 year old mother living near St. John Hospital, and me living near 11 Mile in SCS, it gives me an opportunity to take the lakeshore (and back roads of the Shores/Farms) route there a few times a week. An inspiring drive indeed!

(Message edited by gistok on December 19, 2005)
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Mackinaw
Member
Username: Mackinaw

Post Number: 1082
Registered: 02-2005
Posted From: 141.213.173.94
Posted on Monday, December 19, 2005 - 5:29 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

You know, Kenwood (from Kercheval to GP Blvd.) might actually be better than Touraine. GP Farms has some incredible houses through it's core but the 1950s buildup just east of Brownell Middle school and the subdivisions that have taken over the bluff btw. GP Blvd. and Lakeshore are a turnoff for me. You're right though, the hill makes things interesting and there are some awesome streets.
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Newbie
Member
Username: Newbie

Post Number: 16
Registered: 05-2005
Posted From: 65.24.198.179
Posted on Monday, December 19, 2005 - 7:25 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Personally if I was a high paid athlete I would pick GP to live since you could get a nice house on the water. That would be the ultimate privacy...nobody in the backyard and neighbors only on the sides. Most of the lots on Windmill Pointe Drive are nice and wide.
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Mackinaw
Member
Username: Mackinaw

Post Number: 1083
Registered: 02-2005
Posted From: 141.213.173.94
Posted on Monday, December 19, 2005 - 11:56 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Agreed. If I ever made serious money this is the place where it would be spent.
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Metrodetguy
Member
Username: Metrodetguy

Post Number: 2095
Registered: 11-2003
Posted From: 207.200.116.134
Posted on Tuesday, December 20, 2005 - 1:03 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Dream, a few points....One, you only scratched the surface on notable Bloomfield/Birmingham area residents...Two, the north wins hands down in terms of schools...Three, you're dead wrong on your prestige factor. BH is as well, if not somewhat better, known outside of Michigan, than GP. Another bonus I would throw in would be proximity to Woodward.
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Mackinaw
Member
Username: Mackinaw

Post Number: 1085
Registered: 02-2005
Posted From: 141.213.173.94
Posted on Tuesday, December 20, 2005 - 4:07 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

GP Park is closer to Woodward than many parts of West Bloomfield (I measured the distance from Drake or Haggerty directly to Woodward, and it was further than from the middle of GP Park to Woodward). Most of Woodward between Birmingham and Royal Oak is pretty po-dunk if you don't mind my saying, a pretty average suburban divided highway.

Please contribute to Dream's extensive list.

The public schools are both excellent, but both are taking hits thanks to prop A amd the end of local control. GP has nicer school buildings though. Both towns have well known private schools.

Here's a measure of prestige: inland lake or Great Lake (alright Great Lakes system).?

(Message edited by mackinaw on December 20, 2005)
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Mind_field
Member
Username: Mind_field

Post Number: 447
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 209.240.205.61
Posted on Tuesday, December 20, 2005 - 11:38 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

There is a home that is so freaking huge it blows all other private residences that I've seen in the Pointes out of the water. It is in the Shores on the Lake side of Lakeshore Dr. The exterior is some kind of gray stone, very expensive looking. The home reminds me of a castle, with turrets and must be a good 40-50 ft. in height. I'd say it is at least 20,000 sq feet, but since the home is set back from the road a slight distance and one can't sit and gawk at it for long without disrupting traffic on Lakeshore, I could be off, but it is very large.

Does anyone know what home I'm speaking of and any details about it? I could be off base on the description, since it's been years since I've been in the Pointes. This home commands your attention and screams "a billionaire lives here". I know it isn't the Ford estate, I'm 99% sure it is a private residence.

As far as BH being the fourth richest in the nation, I don't think that is accurate anymore. There are a lot of ways to define a communities wealth, by real estate values or income, but by either measure I think Bloomfield Hills has fallen precipitously from it's once lofty distinction as one of the nation's richest communities. Winnetka, Jupiter Island, and Atherton far, far surpass BH in income and housing value. The last list I saw in Worth magazine placed BH at #78 in a listing of the nation's richest cities. That list is a good 4-5 years old, I'm sure BH has fallen even further. Don't get me wrong, BH is still Michigan's richest city by far, but compared to the monster money on the coasts, BH isn't anything special anymore.
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Susanarosa
Member
Username: Susanarosa

Post Number: 599
Registered: 11-2003
Posted From: 208.39.170.90
Posted on Tuesday, December 20, 2005 - 12:07 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)


quote:

Most of Woodward between Birmingham and Royal Oak is pretty po-dunk if you don't mind my saying, a pretty average suburban divided highway.




I'm confused by your statement here Mackinaw, Birmingham and RO are right next to each other off of Woodward... can you clarify?
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Rust
Member
Username: Rust

Post Number: 61
Registered: 08-2004
Posted From: 64.118.136.130
Posted on Tuesday, December 20, 2005 - 1:02 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

mind_field,

That would be Art Van Elslander's house.
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Darwinism
Member
Username: Darwinism

Post Number: 292
Registered: 06-2005
Posted From: 69.215.30.34
Posted on Tuesday, December 20, 2005 - 1:30 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I believe that the CEO of GM, Rick Wagoner, as well as the former CEO of Chrysler, Dieter Zetsche, both call the Bloomfield Hills area home.

Dream: You are a terrific resource indeed. Thank you for the comprehensive list of Metro Detroit's movers and shakers in GP and BH.
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Everydayislikesunday
Member
Username: Everydayislikesunday

Post Number: 138
Registered: 12-2004
Posted From: 68.41.153.99
Posted on Tuesday, December 20, 2005 - 1:56 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Driving down Lakeshore last night -- it was dark, so Im not 100% -- but it appeared that Mr. Art Van has some pretty snazzy holiday decorations -- complete with a life size nativity on the other side of the gates.
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Mackinaw
Member
Username: Mackinaw

Post Number: 1086
Registered: 02-2005
Posted From: 141.213.173.94
Posted on Tuesday, December 20, 2005 - 2:28 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Yeah definitly Art Van's house.

Hmmm, Susanarosa, that was a pretty late post...but there really isn't too much to write home about between 14 and 11 Mile.

Here's another incredible Lakeshore house: http://www.mcintoshporis.com/p rivate.html This is the second largest house in GP behind the Ford estate, this is at least 20,000 sf. Lakeshore Dr. is often made into the face of GP prestige, but there are really only a handful of houses left that really typify the old Lakeshore.
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Susanarosa
Member
Username: Susanarosa

Post Number: 600
Registered: 11-2003
Posted From: 208.39.170.90
Posted on Tuesday, December 20, 2005 - 2:36 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)


quote:

Hmmm, Susanarosa, that was a pretty late post...but there really isn't too much to write home about between 14 and 11 Mile.




You've obviously never experienced Athens Coney Island then. :-)

Just kidding (kinda)

Anyway, there are tons of nice neighborhoods off of Woodward between those mile roads; the Vinsetta neighborhood being one of them. But you are correct, it's a very industry-oriented stretch of land on Woodward proper.
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Danny
Member
Username: Danny

Post Number: 3597
Registered: 02-2004
Posted From: 141.217.173.57
Posted on Tuesday, December 20, 2005 - 2:36 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

A tale of 2 snobbyvilles.
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Mackinaw
Member
Username: Mackinaw

Post Number: 1087
Registered: 02-2005
Posted From: 141.213.173.94
Posted on Tuesday, December 20, 2005 - 3:01 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I'm starting to notice that both of these "snobbyvilles" are dealing with poor school funding. Birmingham's cuts are so deep that they are close to reducing class offerings at the middle school level (limiting students to six classes rather than seven). Bloomfield is, somehow in spite of the current tax regime, maintaining a surplus of under $1 million, and I'm sure cuts have had to be made. Each year for at least the past five Grosse Pointe has been handed $4-6 million deficits, and has had to trim around the edges accordingly. With the teacher's unions always being pandered to, some meaninful things have had to be cut out or switched to private funding sources. I'm all for the trimming of the fat, but the point is, while these school systems are all relatively strong in the context of MI (and for now in the context of the US--i.e. GP South was the highest ranked non-admissions public high school from MI on Newsweeks recent top 1000 high schools list) they really won't be for long without changes to statewide law. All communities involved are really taking similar blows, it will be a matter of who can govern themselves the best and which community will provide better private support to decide which schools are actually better.
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Dsmith
Member
Username: Dsmith

Post Number: 79
Registered: 07-2005
Posted From: 68.41.202.23
Posted on Tuesday, December 20, 2005 - 6:47 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I'll add to Dream's list. The names below fall into the grouping I described above in post 78: 48302 (Bloomfield Twp), 48304 (Bloomfield Hills), 48009 (Birmingham) and 48025 (Franklin/Bingham Farms) plus I'm including a few in Orchard Lake and WB. I'll try not to replicate Dream's listings.

Jay Alix
-Questor

Larry J Hudas
-ADN Risk Services

Richard Rogel
-Founder of Preferred Provider Organization of Michigan

Scott Seligman
-President Sterling Savings Bank

Bob Seager
-Music

Benson Ford Jr.
-Ford Heir

MIKE KOJAIAN

Cynthia Booth Ballantyne
- Booth heir

BN N BAHADUR
-Chairman & CEO BBK, Ltd.

Tom Celani
-CEO, Action Distributing, gaming

WARREN CHAPPELL
-CHAPPELL STEEL CORPORATION

C.H. GALA
-GALA & ASSOCIATES, INC.

WALTER P CZARNECKI
-EVP PENSKE CORPORATION

MICHAEL A GRIMALDI
-GM

ATUL PASRICHA
-VP OF M. & A. AND NEW MARKETS - DELPHI

DAVID C WAJSGRAS
-CFO Lear Corp

JACKIE MARTIN
-CFO U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Oscar Feldman
-Detroit Pistons Minority Owner

Rajendra B. Vattikuti
-Co-chairman, Complete Business Solutions

Joe Dumars
-Detroit Pistons GM

JOSEPH K KNOLLENBERG
-US Congressman

Anthony J. Hopp
-chairperson and CEO of Campbell-Ewald

E. F Mayne
-E.F. Mayne, Jr., Inc

ARNOLD Y ARONOFF
-Chairman, Landon Co

GARY C VALADE
-BOARD OF MANAGEMENT - DCX, Carhartt heir?

Mickey Shapiro
-Real Estate Investor, Lautrec

Phillip Fisher

Allan E Schwartz
-Honigman Miller Schwartz & Cohn ('Detroit's business consigliare')

LOGAN G ROBINSON
-VICE PRESIDENT - DELPHI

William Hubner residence
-owner of Fitness USA chain

Stanley Frankel
-commercial real estate development

HABIB P MAMOU
-ROYAL OAK WASTE PAPER

Robert Eaton
-Former GM CEO

DAVID W THURSFIELD
-EVP Ford Motor

THOMAS P DEKAR

Bill Bonds
-Newsman

Thomas Hammond
-Flagstar Chairman, moving to Oakland Twp.

David Handleman
-Handleman Co.

JOHN M DEVINE
-General Motors CFO

Vlasics
-Pickle Empire

Roger B Smith
-Of 'Roger and Me' Fame

ALAN M KIRILUK
-CHAIRMAN - KIRCO

"HOOT" J MCINERNEY
-owns a huge chain of car dealerships

Harry Pearce
-Vice-chairman of General Motors

Chuck Forbes
-DetroitYes Hero

RICHARD J DUGAS
-Pulte Homes CEO

Carl T. Camden
-President & COO Kelly Services

WILLIAM P OREILLY
-Former Chairman & CEO, Eltrax Systems

J. THOMAS CLARK
-The Clark Group

Arthur M. Hawkins
-Former chair at Exide Corporation, criminal

MARK R WEBER
-EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT - DELPHI

Steven Lunn
-TRW COO

Donald Kegley
-Cunningham - Limp Company

ROMAN J KRYGIER, JR.
-Corp VP Ford Motor

RAJ B VATTIKUTI
-President, CEO Covansys

LLOYD E HANSEN
-VP Revenue Management Ford Motor

Miriam Mondry
-Highland Superstores

LAWRENCE A DENTON
-DURA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS

WILLIAM J PULTE
-Pulte Homes Chairman

Steve Yzerman
-Detroit Rad Wings

Richard "Rip" Hamilton
-Detroit Pistons

Ken Whipple
-Chairman CMS Energy

Arthur “Bud” Liebler
-Former Chrysler Senior VP of Marketing

William A Fleury
-C.S.M. Manufacturing Corporat.

CHARLES M KOJAIAN
-Kojaian Companies VP-Developer

Thomas Dart
-cups

Donald E Peterson
-Former Chairman Ford Motor Co

EDWARD C LEVY
-Edward C. Levy Co. President

Irving Seligman
-Sterling Savings Bank founder / HUD scammer

Eugene A. Miller
-Chairman, Comerica Inc

August F Kammer
-Yondotega Club Member

Harold Blumenstein
-Paragon Properties

Courtney Lord
-SVP Taubman

YOUSSEF B GHAFARI
-GHAFARI ASSOCIATES L.L.C./CHAIRMAN

Ralph J Gerson
-President and CEO Guradian Industries

David G Booth
-Booth heir

JOHN J FERRON
-PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS

LISA A PAYNE
-Taubman Centers VP

James Grosfeld
-ex Pulte Corp CEO

Lewis B Campbell
-CEO Textron

J. Thomas Clark
-Vice Chairman - The Clark Group

Robert C Larson
-One of Detroit's gatekeepers

William O¹Reilly
-Former Chairman & CEO, Eltrax Systems

Sheldon Rose
-Edward Rose & Sons

MARK B DICKOW
-Dickow & Associates Attorney

Gary Sawaka
-Grand Sawka Corp./President

Samir A Danou
-Danou Enterprises Inc

Bernice Gershenson
-philanthropist

Eugene Kraft
-Chair of the Serta-Restokraft Mattress Co.

TARIK S DAOUD
-Al Long Ford, Shamrock Lincoln Mercury

Richard Wagner
-GM Chairman, lives in the former L.B. Bornhauser residence

ANTHONY F EARLEY
-DTE Chairman

DANIEL ARONOFF
-CANNON DEVELOPMENT CORP.

Robert J. Skandalaris
-Chairman, Noble International Limited

JAMES PATRICK CONROY
-C.F.O. PENSKE CORPORATION

Emil Rose
-President & Director of the DSO

Michael T Flora
-Michael Flora & Associates

David Schostak
-Schostak Brothers & Company

William K. Gerber
-Exec. VP & CFO of Kelly Services

MARK T HOGAN
-VICE PRESIDENT GENERAL MOTORS

VICTOR SAROKI
-ARCHITECT

MICHAEL J BOUCHARD
SHERIFF-OAKLAND COUNTY

CHRISTOPHER P ILITCH

Paul C Robertson, Jr.
-Builder

NICHOLAS V SCHEELE
-FORD MOTOR

Ted R French
-Textron

Douglas G Delgrosso
-President/COO Lear corp.

ROBERT H KURNICK, JR.
-PRESIDENT PENSKE CORPORATION

ALAN GILMOUR
-Former Ford Vice Chair / Gay activist, owns the finest residence in Birmingham

Patrick J Harrington
-Muchmore, Harrington, & Smalley

BURTON D FARBMAN
-The Farbman Group

David A Trott
-Lawyer

Mike Ilitch (Marian)
-Ilitch Holdings

David B. Hermelin (DECD)
Norway Amb. / RE delevoper / Palace Ent.

Irving Rose
-Edward Rose & Sons (BF's finest parcel of land?)

David Bing
-Owner, Bing Companies

Mitch D Albom
-Writer

Daniel Gilbert
-Quicken Loans Owner
-Clevland Cavaliers Owner

Florine Mark
-Chairman, The WW Group Inc.
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Spartacus
Member
Username: Spartacus

Post Number: 63
Registered: 07-2005
Posted From: 209.114.251.65
Posted on Tuesday, December 20, 2005 - 7:14 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I don't know if you can call it "poor school funding." Birmingham, in particular, takes in $94,000,000 to educate 8,000 students. That doesn't sound like poor funding to me. Poor allocation of resources, yes... poor funding, no.
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Belleislerunner
Member
Username: Belleislerunner

Post Number: 219
Registered: 12-2003
Posted From: 198.204.133.208
Posted on Tuesday, December 20, 2005 - 7:21 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

What does "the finest residence in Birmingham" look like?
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Ray
Member
Username: Ray

Post Number: 611
Registered: 06-2004
Posted From: 68.41.160.200
Posted on Wednesday, December 21, 2005 - 1:32 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

The Grosse Points are a famous, classic, oustanding suburb in a league with the great suburbs of Chicago and New York.

Birmingham is a neat, walkable town, rapidly urbanizing, that compares favorably with America's great vintage suburban cities.

Bloomfield Hills is over-rated pasture, a place attractive to most people principally by comparison to the seemingly endless sea of ugly suburan Detroit sprawl that surrounds it.

The average Bloomfield Hills resident would be cut up and eaten alive at a Wilmette or Mill Valley dinner party.

So say I.
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Bluehorseshoe
Member
Username: Bluehorseshoe

Post Number: 334
Registered: 05-2005
Posted From: 69.137.221.125
Posted on Friday, December 23, 2005 - 1:33 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

A while back I did a project on sports owners and where they live in respect to where the teams they own are located. Detroit can boast the fact that its teams have no "absentee" owners and in fact several Michiganders own teams in other cities. Below is the list of pro team owners who live in Metro Detroit in alphabetical order. Some of these locations divert from the above discussion, but it still gives an idea of where the movers and shakers hang their hats.

Owner- Team(s)- Residence- Source of Wealth:
Wm. Davidson- Pistons, TB Lightning, Shock (WNBA)- BH- Guardian
Wm. Ford, Sr.- Lions- GP- Ford
Dan Gilbert- Cleveland Cavaliers- Livonia- Quicken
Mike Ilitch- Tigers, Wings- OC- Pizza Pizza
Peter Karmanos, Jr.- Carolina Hurricanes- Plymouth- Compuware
Ralph Wilson, Jr.- Buffalo Bills- GPS- see above

I'd also like to add Roger Penske of B-ham owns some amazingly successful auto racing teams. Plus Bernie Glieberman, who owns Crosswinds Communities, owns the Ottawa Renegades of the CFL, but I don't know where in Metro Detroit he lives. And Richard DeVos, an Amway heir in Ada, owns the Orlando Magic.

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