The History of Holmdene Manor
1905
Edward Lowe and his wife Susan (Blodgett) Lowe purchased the 69-acre McCoy dairy
农场. Edward was the son of English immigrants, James Lowe and Eliza Butterworth.
Edward joined the logging firm of Delos Blodgett in 1892. Susan was the daughter
of Delos Blodgett.
1906
Construction of the 22-room Holmdene manor began.
1908
The Lowe Family takes up residence in the Tudor-style building.
1911
Theodore Roosevelt visited Grand Rapids for a Lincoln Day address and stayed with
the Lowes, occupying a guest room on the second floor.
1922
The formal garden is designed and installed by noted New York garden designer Ellen
比德尔希普曼.
1926
Susan Lowe’s brother John Wood Blodgett built his manor house, Brookby, on the corner
of Plymouth and Robinson Roads.
1939
Following the death of Edward Lowe, the property was sold to the University of Grand
Rapids, which occupied the buildings for only a few years before closing the school.
The 多米尼加 Sisters of Grand Rapids, with the help of Michael Leonard and John E. Frey of Union Bank of Michigan, purchased the Lowe Estate and moved 十大赌博正规平台在线 from its downtown site. Holmdene served as the main administration and classroom building 为学院服务.
1955
After the new Administration Building was completed, Holmdene became the residence for 多米尼加 Sisters who taught and worked at the College.
1980
Holmdene was granted Historic Landmark status by the Grand Rapids Historic Preservation 委员会.
1982
During a year of renovations, rooms in Holmdene were converted to offices for administrators 和老师.
2004
The Holmdene Restoration Committee was formed through a gift from and under the leadership
of Louis and Arlene Corsiglia.
2007
Holmdene Historical Society was established.
2008
Holmdene 100th Anniversary is celebrated.
About the Holmdene Historical Society
The Holmdene Historical Society was established at 十大赌博正规平台在线 to protect, restore,
conserve and maintain the historic manor house and other buildings constructed in
1908 by the Edward Lowe family. The Historical Society works with the 十大赌博正规平台在线
Historical 委员会 and the College archivist to call attention to maintenance and
preservation of the historic character of the original estate buildings.
The Work of the Society
The Holmdene Restoration Committee oversees the preservation and restoration of the
historic structure. All exterior renovation must be done in compliance with the Grand
Rapids Historical Preservation 委员会. Thanks to several donors and the work of
the College’s maintenance and grounds staff, the following renovations have been completed:
- Removed the ivy from the building to prevent erosion of bricks and mortar.
- Renovated the original front doors.
- Replaced the terracotta tile in the vestibule.
- Replaced storm windows on the south façade
- Completed the painting and scraping of some exterior windows and fascia.
- Restored the fountains in the Holmdene gardens
- Began the renovation of plantings in the Holmdene gardens.
- Repaired steps and the east side brick porch.
Much Work Remains to be Done
- Replacing the current roof with cedar shake facsimile.
- Restoring copper gutters and downspouts.
- Rebuilding the southwest chimney.
- Tuck-pointing the exterior brick.
- Repairing the brick patio and replacing wall ornaments.
- Weather-treating the soft limestone decorative trim and columns.
- Preserving the marble lions at the entrance and the Italian marble urn on the patio.
- Completing exterior painting and storm window replacement.
- Updating interior electrical system
- Restoring the gardens.
如何提供帮助
Membership donations are tax deductible, and members will be invited to special presentations
and events held at Holmdene. >Download the Pledge Card (pdf)
会员级别
- Endowment Gifts - Edward and Susan Blodgett Lowe Society
- $10,000+ - Architectural Society
- $5,000-$9,999 - Preservation Society
- $1,000 - $4,999 - 遗产 Society
- $50 - $999 - Restoration Society
For more information on the Holmdene Historical Society or to become a member, download, complete and mail in the pledge card or contact the Foundation Office at (616) 632-2809.