FEATURED GR ARCHITECT: ALEXANDER MCCOLL (1891-1967)
This colonial style home was one of the first two homes built in the new Ottawa Hills neighborhood was designed by McColl and built Archie and Charles Blakeslee of Blakeslee Brothers Builders 2022-2023.
1410 Pontiac SE - Ottawa Hills Neighborhood
The name Alexander McColl is a familiar one in Grand Rapids. Documented to date are over 100 graceful, Grand Rapids homes in the English cottage, colonial revival, French eclectic, and mediterranean renaissance-style, as well as homes built near Frankfort and on the grounds of the Crystal Downs Country Club. In 1937, McColl designed one of his most iconic homes, a moderne, International style house at 739 Plymouth SE in East Grand Rapids for Dr. Leon DeVel. The white stucco exterior with rounded features was paired with metal wrap-around and glass block windows and on the inside, a dramatic curving staircase, black and white marble floor and built-in bookshelves surrounding the fireplace in the library.
62 Commerce SW - Irving W. Watson Automobile Dealership that sold Franklin Touring cars.
62 Commerce SW - Commercial Building
Although Alexander McColl is primarily known for his many upscale custom homes throughout the Greater Grand Rapids area, he designed commercial buildings as well. This Art Deco building at 62 Commerce SW was built at Irving W. Watson’s Automobile Dealership in 1922 and they sold the air-cooled Franklin Touring Car.
This Alecander McColl-designed ranch home is located on Meandowfield NE overlooking the Kent Country Club golf course. Build for Corneilus DeKorne.
C.B. DeKorne House - Kent Hills Neighborhood
After World War II, McColl designed several stylish mid-century modern ranch homes in East Grand Rapids and on the north side of Grand Rapids. One of these is an extraordinary, expansive ranch home on Meadowfield NE, designed for C.B. DeKorne and filled with beautiful mahogany paneling at the edge of Kent Country Club. https://wmmodern.com/alexander-mccoll-modern-1/
McColl’s Process: MCColl's daughter, Anne Forslund, who passed away in 2017, described McColl’s process of intensive research that preceded his many custom designs. McColl, a member of the American Institute of Architects, graduated in 1921 from the Engineering Department, University of Michigan. His home and office was located at 2814 Woodcliff SE, and he worked steadily until his death at age 76.
WATCH FOR MORE PHOTOS OF ALEXANDER MCCOLL HOMES COMING SOON.