Doors and entrances certainly make a first impression. From large and massive stone surrounds with curving pilasters and massive pediments, to recessed entries with nearly hidden doors, all kinds can be found in Detroit.

In a city where steel was a major industry, it's very common to find steel framed windows and leaded glass mixed among the more common wood frame windows. Early homes showed wealth with large panes of window glass, which was more expensive then a multi-lighted sash, and consequently more fashionable. Thirty years later, tiny pieces of stained glass in intricate patterns became the stylish way to treat a facade window.

Exqusite Entrance

A beautiful eastside home has a slightly recessed paneled door, diamond paned side windows and amazing stone work. Notice the casement windows above matches the stained glass color and shape.

Regal Entry

Yes! This is Detroit! A long walkway leads to this fantastic central westside mansion. The stone columns have a gentle twist to their design.

Detailed Stone

Though smaller than the previous home, this northwest residence nevertheless shows the beautiful artistry in Detroit. The stone detail, the arched door and the stained glass windows are an example of style used in middle class neighborhoods was top notch.

Impressive Pediment

Another beautiful entry with sculptured columns, composite capitals and a broken pediment with an urn. Below the urn is a detailed face and icanthus leaves.

Storybook Vision

Right out of the Brother's Grimm, this northside English Revival has an exqusite front door with radiating stone voussoirs and even a little alcove under the sloping roof. Also notice the diamond paned window above with a half round shape.

English Recessed 1

The first of two photos showing recessed doors on English Revival porches, this example in a north neighborhood is under the sloping roof line with the door leading off the side. Notice the half timbering and brick nogging.

English Recessed 2

The second example shows Queen post like porch supports with additions turned posts on stone piers under a shorter roof extension with a front leading door.

English Stone Entry

A modest front entry was constructed to this north neighborhood home with a slighlty recessed door and a jack arch lintel. Notice the great slate roofing is multiple colors and the leaded glass window.

Radiating Stone

A wonderfully rounded door and radiating stone detail is the focus of this house, with a matching arched cloth awning to show its design.

Tiled Entry

This is a unique example of the use of tile, to line the recessed entry to this north neighborhood home. The colors match the Mediterranean architectural style.

Stone Emphasis

This simplier entry design really shows the contrasting colors of the brick and the stone trim. Notice the other bits of stone placed into the entry gable.

Rowhouse Entries

A rowhouse located in a downtown neighborhood shows the variety of Colonial Revival pediments. This design was so well liked, new townhomes in the same area mimic this feature.

Palladian Entry

This Colonial Revival home has a fantastic recessed doorway leading from a Palladian shaped entry. Notice there is even a keystone at the top of the arch.

Palladian Window

A shorter version of the Palladian window graces the gable peak of this downtown Queen Anne. Also notice the triple window design on the lower story.

Leaded Window

This is an example of a common northwest neighborhood window located on a bay. Sometimes shields or crests can be found as well, as shown in the upper transom portion here.

Italiante Bay

The exqusite details of this Italinate home in the downtown area can clearly be seen on the front bay. The details are picked up in the contrasting color scheme.

Elaborate Bay

The glass pattern on the front bay is like a jewel box. Notice the patterns and shapes involved in the design.

Diamond Paned

Many of the windows in the eastside home are diamond pane, perfect for the English Revival style prevelant in Detroit.