Location
Rochester, MI
Original Construction
1929
Construction Cost
$226,000
Size
1,905 sqft
Completion Date
2012
National Historic Landmark

Meadow Brook Hall was built during the country place era, a time when wealthy American industrialists pursued rural life in settings of great beauty. It represents one of the finest examples of Tudor-revival architecture in America and is especially renowned for its superb craftsmanship, architectural detailing and grand scale of 88,000 square feet. Inspired by the country manor homes in England, it was designed and built by the Detroit architectural firm of Smith, Hinchman and Grylls between 1926 and 1929, at a cost of nearly $4 million.

HopkinsBurns Design Studio was commissioned to restore the original service (servants) areas. Extensive research was conducted to identify room layouts, function, original materials and finishes. Project scope included:

• Restoration of the original linoleum floor, dividing wall with pocket doors to match original, metal windows and leading; buckled, torn, delaminated, canvas fabric on walls; light fixtures, updated electrical, and mechanical systems; plaster walls, coves and ceilings; and woodwork and decorative doors

• Reinstallation of historic decorative textured, “scumble” glaze which matched original finish to add the impression of age

• Installation of period window coverings, original furniture and replicas

The outcome is a holistic restoration of the servant’s back of house area that fully depicts the work environment of the support staff that was required to run a house of this magnitude.