Detroit Architects: Roland C. Gies (October 17, 1874)

Roland C. Gies (1874) was a Detroit-born and raised architect who worked during the city’s economic growth period in the early 20th century, briefly partnering with Maxwell Grylls to form the firm of Grylls and Gies in 1904.

Together, Maxwell and Roland designed several eye-catching brick Georgian homes, including the Indian Village properties 1072 Seminole (1904), 1106 and 1127 Seminole (1905), and 962, 1043, 1038, and 1012 Burns Ave (all completed in 1906).

His work reflected the popular styles and refined detailing of the era, often incorporating classic influences that appealed to Detroit’s emerging elite class and most affluent residents.

In 1906, Grylls and Gies was dissolved, and Maxwell Grylls went on to become one-third of one of Detroit’s most prolific architectural firms: Smith, Hinchman, and Grylls.

From there, Roland C. Gies went independent, setting up his own firm that placed a high focus on projects where he could showcase his expansive technical training and hands-on experience as a master of detailed brick designs.

For living proof of his high-quality work, see the Frederick T. Gies House at 585 Arden Park Blvd in the historic Arden Park-East Boston Historic District, which Gies designed to showcase his natural knack for creating impressive homes that would go on to define Detroit’s most historic boulevards.

Gies’s designs aren’t just breathtaking.

They help contribute to the prestigious reputation of neighborhoods like Arden Park-East Boston, where architectural distinction and craftsmanship are both considered essential indicators of status.