Louis Kamper arrived in Detroit around 1887 with an impressive architectural pedigree. As an agent for New York’s legendary McKim, Mead & White, he came to Detroit seeking the commission for Frank J. Hecker’s mansion, still standing at 5510 Woodward Avenue. The project ultimately was designed by Scott, Kamper & Scott, the partnership Kamper formed soon after making Detroit his permanent home. What followed was a long and prolific career, leaving behind buildings familiar to generations of Metro Detroiters. Author, photographer and architectural historian Dale A. Carlson offers a closer look at Kamper’s surviving work, including the Roseland Park Cemetery Mausoleum in Berkley, the Book-Cadillac Hotel and the recently renovated Book Tower, and the stories behind the architect who created them.
ARCHITECTURE LECTURE SERIES
Architect of Entertainment: C. Howard Crane | Oct. 10
The Firm That Built Detroit: Smith, Hinchman & Grylls | Nov. 7
Sacred Spaces and City Landmarks: Spier & Rohns | Jan 16