Thompson Home

The refined eclecticism of the Thompson Home is an excellent example of the early work of one of Detroit's most accomplished architects, George Mason. The dean of Detroit architects at his death in 1948, Mason started his practice in 1878. He received his first major commission the following year when he was chosen as the architect for the Pontchartrain Hotel. This building, along with other significant Mason designed buildings such as the Central Market, 1879; Masonic Temple, 1894; and the Detroit Opera House, 1897, has since been demolished.

The Thompson Home remains as one of Mason's earliest buildings still standing in Detroit. Other significant early structures designed by Mason include the Belle Isle Police Station, 1893; First Presbyterian Church, 1889; Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, 1887; and the Hiram Walker and Sons Offices in Walkerville, Ontario, 1892. Many architects who started their careers in Mason's office later rose to positions of prominence in the profession. Two of the most notable of these were Alex Trowbridge and Albert Kahn.

George Mason was also a leader in the area of architectural education. He played a major role in the founding of the school of architecture at the University of Michigan and taught courses there throughout his later years even though his own practice continued to grow. Mason led in efforts to involve the AIA in playing a more active role in supporting excellence in architectural education. In addition to being significant architecturally, the Thompson Home is important because of the role it has played in the charitable life of Detroit.

The Home was built in 1884 through the generosity of Mrs. Mary Thompson who founded the Thompson Society as an organization to provide a home where 'friendless old ladies could pass in peace and quiet the remaining days of their lives.' Mrs. Thompson's husband, David, made considerable money in real estate and he and his wife contributed freely to charitable causes throughout their lives. Members of Detroit's prominent families have served on the board of directors of the Home over the years and their contributions have resulted in a substantial endowment for the Home.

The Thompson Home now serves as a residence for about thirty elderly women.

The main facade of the Thompson Home consists of a central tower flanked by projecting bays. The roof is steeply pitched with dormers over the bays and along both sides of the house. The porches on both the main facade and on the north side are one bay wide and their roofs are supported by pairs of square columns with Corinthian capitols. A small tower extends above the north entrance, echoing the main tower.

The building is red brick, painted dark red. A 1924 addition on the south side of the structure houses an infirmary. This addition blends reasonably well with the main building and does not detract from the symmetrical dignity of the main facade. The grounds are pleasantly landscaped and surrounded by a wrought iron fence.

Strategically placed trees and shrubs soften the visual effects of the infirmary wing and emphasize the main structure. The Thompson House is a major visual element in the streetscape on Cass Avenue. It is located at the junction of an area of varying blight to the south and Wayne State University buildings to the north. The ground floor of the house is dominated by a large meeting hall containing the original wrought iron chandeliers.

The kitchen and laundry are located in the basement.