The Meyer L. Prentis House – 1905 Balmoral Drive, Detroit, MI 48203

Spanning an astonishing 12,000 square feet, The Meyer L. Prentis House (1905 Balmoral Drive, Detroit, MI 48203) is a sophisticated old Detroit residence designed by architect Richard H. Marr in 1925 for its first occupant, Meyer L. Prentis, the treasurer of the General Motors Corporation.

One of the city of Detroit’s largest properties, the home is living proof of the architectural significance and unique character that defined Palmer Woods when it was just beginning to develop in the early 1920s, becoming a hotspot for the city’s early elite.

These were individuals with very specific tastes, who sought out spacious lots, gorgeous scenery, and architect-commissioned residences within a carefully curated suburban environment.

Taking note of that, the 1905 Balmoral Drive property’s architect, Richard H. Marr, brought a mastery of scale, half-timbered details, finely cut stonework, quality craftsmanship, and a blend of Tudor Revival and Early English Renaissance styles to the home’s construction that would go on to define his design catalog as a whole – harmonizing beautifully within Palmer Woods’ elegant streetscape.  

Today, The Meyer L. Prentis House remains an important piece of early Detroit’s historic fabric. Its 1929 construction, connection to a leading figure in Detroit’s automotive industry, and association with Richard H. Marr all reinforce its significance as a well-preserved example of the neighborhood’s early twentieth-century architectural excellence.