Detroit Architects: George DeWitt Mason (July 4, 1856 – June 3, 1948)

Syracuse, New York native George DeWitt Mason (1856-1948) was one of the prominent architects of the late 19^th century and early 20th century in Detroit, whose career spanned an impressive six decades and helped shape the city’s architectural identity during its interwar period and early industrial ascent.

Although born in New York, Mason relocated to Detroit in 1870 with his family and began his career in 1875 under fellow Motor City architect Hugh Smith, followed by a career-defining period with Henry T. Brush, where he interned without pay for nine months. 

His work detailing the original Detroit Public Library and the George O. Robinson House led to his first credited design: the Detroit landmark, the Ransom Gillis House located in Brush Park.

From there, Mason partnered with Zachariah Rice to form the firm Mason & Rice in 1878, a partnership that would go on to become one of the city’s most prominent faces in the architectural scene.

Together, they produced landmarks all across the state of Michigan, including:

• The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island (1887)
• The Marine City City Hall (1884)

As well as a wide variety of churches, civic buildings, and private properties — many of which are currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

In fact, Mason & Rice was so prolific that from 1884 to 1896, even a young Albert Kahn worked alongside them, later returning to once again partner with Mason in the early 20th century.

By then, Mason was practicing independently, constructing some of Detroit’s most iconic structures, such as:

• The Detroit Masonic Temple (1926)
• The Detroit Yacht Club (1923)
• The Central Woodward Christian Church (1928)
• The Gem Theatre (1927)
• The Century Theatre (1903)

As well as The Palms Apartments and The Belle Isle Aquarium alongside Kahn in 1903 and 1904.

Mason’s impressive portfolio showcases his vast stylistic range — from Richardsonian Romanesque to Gothic Revival to Beaux-Arts classicism, richly composed eclecticism, and everything in between — all featuring strong geometry, quality masonry, unique massing, and meticulous attention to detail.

Within the historic Indian Village district, Mason designed the Dr. George Fay House at 2253 Burns, a sophisticated residence that reflects the architect’s mastery of domestic scale. 

Mason died in 1948 at the age 91, leaving behind one of the most expansive and important bodies of work in Detroit history.