Cranbrook Timeline

YearsBuilding & ConstructionRemarks
1904-1905
Farm buildings are constructed on the Kingswood School site (Farm Group #1); Albert Kahn, Architect
Most demolished 1917-1921
1904
The original farmhouse of Samuel Alexander is remodelled and called the "Cottage"
Torn down in 1930
1907
Original frame boat house erected
Torn down in 1917
1908
Cranbrook House and Tower Cottage constructed; Albert Kahn, architect
Kahn worked from George Gough Booth's sketches
1909
North garden constructed
Gardens simplified during World War II
1910
Greenhouse completed, replacing the original lean-to greenhouse attached to the house; Burrowes and Wells, architects

Twin Cottage constructed; Burrowes and Wells, architects

Sunken garden and Promenade balustrade begun
Torn down in 1950 for present greenhouse





Kahn designed “Water Garden” - removed 1923
1911
Service buildings completed (Chauffer's Cottage, Stables, Carriage House, Garage, Dog Kennels); Burrowes and Wells, architects

East Terrace constructed

Farm buildings constructed on Cranbrook School site; Burrowes and Wells, architects (Farm Group #2)





Demolished in 1926
1912
Rock garden (Oriental Garden) established
 
1913
 
1914
West Terrace fountain installed

Swimming pool at Greek Theatre built

Cascade from pool built
 
1915
Brookside Cottage (Stoney House) constructed from the Pump House for Farm Group Number One

Greek Theater constructed; Burrowes and Wells, architects

Italian Cottage built; Burrowes and Wells, architects



Booths purchased the Crane Lantern for the Japanese (now Oriental) Garden
H. George Field, Builder



Actors’ Court added by HSB in 1924

Cottage demolished 1927 (Hedgegate House partially built on foundation)

Bought at expositions at San Diego and San Francisco
1916
Flowing Well (Rainbow Fountain) built; Marcus R. Burrowes, architect
Pewabic tiles laid by Mary Chase Perry Stratton
1917
Boat House completed; Marcus R. Burrowes, architect

Samuel Yellin gates installed at south entrance of Cranbrook House

New Morris Mill constructed
Restored in 1983


Gate posts built in 1916
1918
Cranbrook House additions begun-- west wing, east wing, servants’ wing, library wing; Albert Kahn, architect

Meeting House constructed on Cranbrook Road; George G. and Henry S. Booth, architects

North stairway from Cranbrook House to Glassenbury Lake (Kingswood Lake) begun
Work completed 1920



Now part of Brookside School




North Terraces were added 1923-25
1919
The Common Room (now known as the Oak Room) at CH begins construction (1919-20); Albert Kahn, architect
 
1920
Wallace House built
Sold to the Nances in 1952
1921
Vegetable garden built east of Tower Cottage

Fire House added to Tower Cottage
 
1922
Bloomfield Hills School, now called Brookside School, opened its doors to students in the upper floor of the Meeting House
 



 
1923
Aviary built between George Booth's Office and the Library at Cranbrook House

Forecourt of Cranbrook House rebuilt along present lines

Turtle Fountain installed

Clay tennis court erected south of Tower Cottage

First addition to Brookside School; George G. Booth, architect
Frame of aviary later used for kitchen window at Brookside School
1924
Actors Court added to Greek Theatre; Henry S. Booth, architect

Pavilion ("Garden House") built along Lone Pine Road; Albert Kahn, architect

West Terrace reflecting pool built

Henry Booth designed an art academy at Cranbrook for his final student project at the University of Michigan



Open-sided arcade
1925
Eliel Saarinen completed a master plan for the proposed art academy at Cranbrook

Theatre Bridge built