Flint in Genesee County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Terrace Reconstruction Project
A recent building assessment revealed that Applewood's terrace needed major repairs. Because brick expands and concrete shrinks along with the changes in Michigan's weather, the mortar joints have loosened. This has caused cracking throughout the terrace and damage to the thresholds under the doors that connect the house and terrace. To prevent further damage, the entire terrace is being replaced.
History of the Terrace
The terrace is original to the house and can be accessed through the gallery, sun room, and dining room by French doors. The canvas awning over the terrace provided shade and protection from the rain. The home has never had central air conditioning, but the awning helped keep the terrace and the gallery cool on warm, sunny days. The first set of awnings was purchased in 1918 and has been repaired or replaced every few years.
The fountain on the south lawn was originally a deeper swimming pool. Family photos show the Motts used the terrace to relax, read, or even hold meetings in this idyllic space.
Change Over Time
The terrace underwent a restoration, brick replacement, and slight remodeling around 1980, most likely around the same time that the pool was converted into a fountain. The floor's brick pattern was changed from a triple basket weave to a double basket weave.
The original brick was the same used for the house and two different types of mortar were used for exterior versus interior walls. Exterior facing walls used mortar made of sand and Portland cement with Medusa Compound added as a waterproofing agent. The mortar's color was specified to match the limestone trim.
Historic Preservation
As a historic site, our focus is on preservation of the terrace's historical integrity. The original terrace was built in 1916 and lasted about 65 years before being replaced and reshaped by Ruth Mott after Charles Stewart Mott's death. The new terrace was larger and filled in places that were previously left open for plantings. However, the redesign did not update the terrace's foundation, which is the root cause of much of the recent damage. This project will correct this and ensure that Ruth Mott's redesigned terrace will be stabilized and last for years to come. The double basket weave pattern will be preserved, and limestone markers will show where plants previously grew while protecting the new foundation from the elements.
Project Timeline
July
> Removal of awning
> All bricks removed
> Foundation uncovered/repair assessment
August
> All three thresholds replaced
September
> Foundation repaired and made to fit Ruth Mott's terrace redesign
> Bricks laid with expansion joints to ensure longevity
October
> New terrace complete
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Architecture. A significant historical year for this entry is 1918.
Location. 43° 1.422′ N, 83° 40.387′ W. Marker is in Flint, Michigan, in Genesee County. Marker can be reached from Albert R. Horrigan Drive. Marker is on the Applewood Estate about 500 feet west of the east entrance. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1400 East Kearsley Street, Flint MI 48503, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Ruth Mott's Point of View (within shouting distance of this marker); Fun and Games (within shouting distance of this marker); Renewing an Old Orchard (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Rise and Fall of Gilkey Creek (about 400 feet away); Applewood Estate (about 500 feet away); The Heart of the Farm (about 600 feet away); The Demonstration Garden (about 600 feet away); Gatehouse (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Flint.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 8, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 20, 2019, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 101 times since then and 4 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on November 20, 2019, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.