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The Snyder House – 1280 Strathcona Drive, Detroit, MI 48203

The Snyder House – 1280 Strathcona Drive, Detroit, MI 48203

2 min read

Designed in 1958 by modernist architect Irving Tobocman for the couple Wolf and Esther Snyder, the Snyder House at 1280 Strathcona Drive, Detroit, MI 48203 is one of the most important mid-century residences and one of many located within the Palmer Woods Historic District – a boulevard known for early twentieth-century Tudor, Colonial, and Mediterranean Revival mansions.

Today, the Snyder House stands out as a bold architectural landmark – a living expression of postwar modernism in one of Detroit’s most historic districts.

As for its visionary architect, Irving Tobocman went on to earn a reputation as one of Detroit’s most influential modern architects, in large part thanks to his focus on:

  • Stunning craftsmanship backed by structural honesty
  • Spatial openness and strong horizontal lines
  • Minimalist façades, glass accents, and striking geometry
  • A deliberate interplay between light and shadow that helped modern homes feel more at home within their natural surroundings. 

In short, the Snyder House stands as a perfect reflection of these principles and flawlessly coincides with the many other Strathcona Drive architectural wonders constructed at a time when Palmer Woods was just becoming known for its revival styling – especially considering the fact that it was one of the first modernist landmarks in the district.

Today, the Snyder House remains a distinguished modernist landmark within Palmer Woods due to its charming mid-century design, close association with Irving Tobocman, and prime location within one of Detroit’s most distinguished residential neighborhoods.