The I. H. Nie House – 1530 Wellesley Drive, Detroit, MI 48203

The 1923 brainchild of prominent early 20th-century architect Richard H. Marr, the I. H. Nie House located at 1530 Wellesley Drive, Detroit, MI 48203, is one of the most striking Mediterranean-inspired residences in the area and a living ode to Old Detroit’s stunning architectural design. 

As for the home’s first occupant, Irvine Herbert Nie was a key figure in Detroit’s automotive world in its early years. Originally an Indiana native, he relocated to Detroit in 1911 after a short period in Illinois, beginning what would go on to become a long and influential career as a purchasing agent with the Fisher Body Corporation from 1912 onward.

In fact, by the time of his passing in 1931, he was not only very close with Fisher Body President W. A. Fisher – he was one of the key executives behind the acquisition of all interior trim for the company.

With this in mind, Richard H. Marr made sure to construct the 1530 Wellesley Drive property with gorgeous touches that conveyed its occupant’s status, including:

• A sturdy Spanish-tiled roof
• A warm stucco exterior
• A charming glass conservatory
• European architectural touches that mesh well with the wooded, curvilinear landscape of Palmer Woods as a whole

The end result?

A striking villa-like property that stands today as an enduring Wellesley Drive architectural landmark – one that heavily contributes to the Palmer Woods Historic District’s reputation for stunning Colonial, Tudor, and Renaissance Revival estates and is a treasured part of Palmer Woods’ historic fabric.