An architect’s own home often reflects his personal design ideals - and Albert Kahn’s 1906 residence on Mack Avenue at John R is no exception. Drawing from both the Prairie style and European tradition, the home blends horizontal lines and simple massing with English Renaissance details. Built for his family, it stands as a restrained yet elegant example of Kahn’s residential work.
The two-story structure features stone on the lower level, stucco above, and a slate roof. The carved front door was designed by Kahn himself. Inside, the house was planned with both beauty and practicality in mind. Rooms such as the stair hall, reception room, and dining room were paneled in Elizabethan woodwork. Mullioned bay windows with leaded glass opened to an expansive garden in the rear, reinforcing Kahn’s belief that principal living spaces should face outdoor spaces.
Constructed using Truscon reinforced concrete, cutting-edge at the time, the house was fireproof and soundproof. Kahn prioritized modern conveniences and ease of maintenance, evident in the use of wood paneling and practical layouts. The first floor included a kitchen, china closet, and servant quarters, while the second housed five bedrooms, two baths, and a sewing room. The attic was adapted over time to accommodate more rooms.
By 1928, growing social and professional obligations prompted Kahn to expand. He added a grand 52-by-26-foot gallery off the living room to display his collection of books, tapestries, and art. Above it, new living quarters were added, along with a large garage and additional servant space. The dining room was also enlarged with a new bay window. Following Kahn’s death, the home was sold to the Urban League for a nominal sum and became its headquarters - ensuring that this personal statement of one of Detroit’s greatest architects remained a living part of the city’s civic landscape.
Albert Kahn passed away on December 8, 1942, at the age of 73, at this home. At the time, he was still serving as the head of his firm, Albert Kahn, Associated Architects and Engineers, Inc.