Picture-perfect properties in Grosse Pointe Farms picked for beautification awards

GROSSE POINTE FARMS — Lovely lawns, bountiful bushes and glorious gardens were among the reasons Grosse Pointe Farms residents were recognized by the Farms Beautification Advisory Commission.

During the commission’s 34th annual Beautification Awards Night Oct. 11 at Pier Park, 12 homes and one religious institution — St. Paul on the Lake Catholic Church — were honored for their outstanding curb appeal.

“There is much gratitude to the homeowners who take the time every year,” said Beautification Advisory Commission Chair Sierra Donaven, who also serves on the Farms City Council and is herself a former beautification award winner. “Their vision for all that is beautiful is an inspiration for all residents and visitors.”

Besides St. Paul, winners this year included Dr. Ricardo and Kimberly Borrego, of the 100 block of Kenwood Road; Michael Fournier and Michael Flores, of the 300 block of Touraine Road; John Kalmar and Rose Pawloski, of the 200 block of Merriweather Road; Audrey Bardy, of the 200 block of Hillcrest Avenue; Carla Palffy, of the 200 block of Lakeview Avenue; Katherine Kotsis, of the 200 block of Touraine Road; Antoinette and Matt Swikowski, of the first block of Stephens Road; Deborah and Colt Weatherston, of the first block of Edgemere Road; Brian and Christine McNanney, of the first block of Whitcomb Drive; Bill and Kris Scarfone, of the 300 block of Provencal Road; Lisa Manz-Dulac ,of the first block of Warner Road; and Elena and Scott Russell, of the 100 block of Ridgemont Road.

“This is the city’s chance to honor property owners who have gone above and beyond when it comes to property maintenance,” Assistant City Manager Derrick Kozicki said.

St. Paul dates back to 1895. Its win comes in the wake of work by a landscape architect who had a background in gothic architecture and used that to come up with a plan that was in keeping with the historical church building, said Jo Pomeo, chief financial officer of Landscape America Inc., which installed the plantings.

“I think that was key to making it look beautiful and fresh, but maintaining the integrity of the church,” Pomeo said.

The Rev. Jim Bilot said he was “surprised, humbled and really excited” when he learned of the award.

“It’s great for the community that we’re able to show God’s beauty in creation,” Bilot said.

He said he wanted new landscaping to reflect the welcoming nature of the church.

“It’s always just been green, and I wanted color,” Bilot said of the bright blooms that highlighted the landscaping this summer.

He said he grew up in St. Clair Shores and remembers his family driving down Lake Shore Road, past St. Paul, when he was a kid.

“It’s been an honor to come back home,” Bilot said.

Palffy was moved by her honor. She said she moved into her current home after her husband died about five years ago, as she wanted something smaller.

“This was overwhelming, and I’m very flattered to receive this award,” Palffy said. “I put a lot of love into this house.”

Bardy wasn’t able to attend the ceremony but sent a letter of thanks to be read in her absence.

“Gardening became a passion when I moved to this property,” wrote Bardy, adding that she has learned gardens “are not finished” just because the plants are in the ground.

The Weatherstons thanked the commission, as well. They said they’ve lived in the Farms for about 30 years.

Beautification Advisory Commission member Sheila O’Hara said their landscaping features are “just a nice mix of green and color.”

“What I loved about this was how natural it was,” O’Hara said.

Although most of the honored properties are older — some, such as St. Paul, have even received historical designations — the Russell home on Ridgemont was an exception, having been built in 2018.

“In the Grosse Pointes, everything is historical,” Elena Russell said. “But to have a new house in Grosse Pointe is kind of novel. … I’m thrilled that we were recognized, because (the landscaping) just seemed kind of simple.”

Mayor Pro Tem John Gillooly was present in place of Mayor Louis Theros, who wasn’t able to attend the ceremony.

“We’re extremely appreciative of the investment of our residents,” said Gillooly, adding that these investments “will pay dividends, not only for their family, but for the city.”

The beautification awards are one of several annual efforts by the Beautification Advisory Commission, which also participates in spring flowerbed planting, the annual Arbor Day program, fall harvest decorating and an appreciation lunch for the Department of Public Works staff.

“They really make Grosse Pointe Farms a beautiful place,” Gillooly said.