From ideas and thoughts to completed designs, Russell Landscaping Inc. delivers creativity, individuality, and satisfaction. We are passionate about the potential of a project and are committed to the great execution of a design that fits best for our clients. Our team concentrates on making it easier for you to achieve all of your project’s intention and ideas.
Experience comprehensive dental care in a relaxing, boutique environment —
Reserve your personalized visit at Haven Dental Spa today.
For over 30 years, the Kossak name has been a trusted symbol of dental excellence in Grosse Pointe.
At Haven Dental Spa, we continue that legacy with a boutique, personalized dental experience designed to make every visit relaxing. From the moment you step inside, you’ll feel the difference — calm surroundings and a team that treats you like family.
Ask about our Haven House Insurance Plan, crafted to make exceptional care simple and affordable.
Welcome to the Home Issue!
When we consider our most valuable assets, our minds often gravitate toward the tangible. However, in a community as storied as Grosse Pointe, our most precious asset isn't just the architecture we inhabit—it is the trust we cultivate within our walls. Your home is your sanctuary, and the decision of whom to allow inside to refine, repair, or advocate for that sanctuary is a weight we don’t take lightly. In this great American district, excellence is the standard, and Grosse Pointe City Lifestyle remains your most trusted referral source, connecting you with professionals who treat your home with the same reverence you do.
Craftsmanship and Advocacy
This March, we are proud to feature local experts who embody this spirit of integrity. We begin with Smith’s Hardwood & Construction. In an era of mass production, owner Joe Smith and his wife, Jennifer, are a breath of fresh air. This family-run business brings "old world" craftsmanship back to the forefront. By blending traditional values with meticulous attention to detail, they don’t just renovate; they elevate your home into a masterpiece of quality and timeless design.
Of course, maintaining a home isn't always about aesthetic upgrades; sometimes, it’s about protection. When the unexpected happens and your property is damaged, the insurance process can feel like an uphill battle. Enter Leon Istambouli, owner of Claims-Specialists, Inc. Leon acts as your personal navigator through the high-stress world of insurance claims. His team advocates strictly for you—not the insurance company—to ensure your claim is maximized from start to finish, providing peace of mind when you need it most.
Elegance on the Lake
Finally, we invite you to step inside 4 Cameron Place. This Georgian Colonial is a renovated gem that perfectly balances modern style with classic Lake St. Clair sophistication. It is a true testament to what is possible when world-class location meets visionary design.
As you leaf through these pages, I invite you to trust the businesses and stories we bring you each month. Together, we help Grosse Pointe prosper.
Follow us @grossepointecitylifestyle to dive into the stories, people, and businesses we recommend that are validated and trusted through our Grosse Pointe City Lifestyle brand and come on our journey of innovation and pride as we help spread the Grosse Pointe brand across metro Detroit.
Connect with Grosse Pointe City Lifestyle!
March 2026
PUBLISHER
David Mattaliano | david.mattaliano@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Paige Peabody | paige.peabody@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGERS
Lisa Gindi | lisa.gindi@citylifestyle.com
Erin McGregor | erin.mcgregor@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sue Baldani, Margaret Carroll
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Andy Schwartz
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick
DAVID MATTALIANO, PUBLISHER @GROSSEPOINTECITYLIFESTYLE
We Are Public Insurance Adjusters Who Work for You - Not the Insurance Company. The Team You Want On Your Side.
When a fire, flood, storm, or other disaster damages your home or business, dealing with insurance can feel overwhelming. That’s where CSI steps in. We’re licensed public adjusters who advocate for you, not your insurer.
From initial damage assessments to negotiating your settlement, we handle the entire claims process so you can focus on what matters most - recovery. We maximize your settlement with precision, experience, and care.
- We Only Get Paid When You Do.
-Licensed and Bonded Professionals You Can Trust. -Call Us For A Free Consultation.
PHOTOS WITH THE EASTER BUNNY
PHOTOS WITH THE EASTER BUNNY
Create lasting memories with their little ones.
Create lasting memories with their little ones.
Sunday, March 28, 2026
Sunday, March 28, 2026
EASTER BRUNCH
EASTER BRUNCH
Savor a thoughtfully prepared brunch buffet featuring a variety of baked goods, fresh fruit, and warm, made-to-order favorites, along with other seasonal selections.
Savor a thoughtfully prepared brunch buffet featuring a variety of baked goods, fresh fruit, and warm, made-to-order favorites, along with other seasonal selections.
Sunday, April 5, 2026
Sunday, April 5, 2026
BOOK YOUR EASTER EXPERIENCE TODAY!
A 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and National Historic Landmark
We help with the wisdom that doesn’t come naturally with age.
Whether it’s help with finding a caregiver or someone to do simple chores around the house, having meals delivered to your door, providing assistance with Medicare or any aging-related issues, let us help you find your way. Visit us online or head to The Helm to see all the ways we can help.
Congratulations to Kristin Giancola and her team at iCRYO as they celebrated their one year anniversary this past February. Helping elevate your life offering Cryotherapy, Red Light Therapy, IV Drip Therapy, Body Sculpting, Infrared Sauna, Zerobody Dry Float Beds, Compression Therapy, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Ozone UV iV Therapy, Seca Scale, reGEN, Emsculpt Neo, and much more. Located at 96 Kercheval, Grosse Pointe Farms, visit iCRYO.com or call 313-499-8182.
Experience life at Regina High School during its Spring Open House on Thursday, March 12th, from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. From Powder Puff Football and championship sports, to theatre, service, and sisterhood, Regina girls grow in faith, confidence, and leadership. Tour the campus, meet students and faculty, and feel the spirit that makes Regina home. Regina High School, Preparing young women for college and life. Located at 13900 Masonic, Warren, MI. Register at ReginaHS. com/SpringOpenHouse or call 586-585-0500 for more information.
Old World Craftsmanship with Smiths Hardwood Floors & Construction
ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI
While there are many types of flooring, nothing stands the test of time like real hardwood. It never goes out of style, and if damaged, it can be brought back to its original beauty and luster.
“If a professional’s doing it, they’re passionate about it,” says Joe Smith, owner of Smiths Hardwood & Construction in St. Clair Shores.
“A lot of times we can take a floor that looks destroyed and make it look even better than when it was originally placed.”
Joe, who has over 20 years of experience in the industry, has that passion and attention to detail.
Even though his business has grown significantly over the years, he oversees every project to ensure his crews stay on time and on budget, maintain a high level of service, and deliver an amazing, finished product.
“He has a love for doing great work,” says his wife, Jennifer, who is the office manager. “It’s not about getting a job done quickly; it’s about doing it to its fullest potential. We want it to be perfect and flawless, and that’s what Joe thrives on.”
While Smiths Hardwood & Construction offers hardwood alternatives like luxury vinyl planks (LVP) and tile, most of his customers are looking for the real thing. “Red Oak is the most typical flooring you’re going to find in Michigan,” says Joe. White Oak is also extremely popular and never goes out of style. People love its consistency and the natural look of its finish.
Unlike hardwoods, LVP flooring cannot be refinished and brought back to life. Of course, he believes there are some advantages to this type of flooring. For example, in rooms where floors are likely to come into contact with water, such as laundry rooms and bathrooms, this type of flooring may be a good alternative because it can withstand moisture better than a hardwood floor.
It also has other benefits. “Some people find the thinnest of the product helpful because they
“Family has always been at the heart of what we do.”
may have height issues that they have to contend with when it comes to doors and appliances,” he says.
Then there is laminate flooring. “While it’s an engineered synthetic product, it looks, feels, and performs close to hardwood, whereas vinyl is a full synthetic,” says Joe. “While it too resembles hardwood, it still really looks like plastic because that what it’s made out of.”
Durable and beautiful hardwood floors never go out of style, although the hues and plank sizes may change. In 2026, hardwood floors are all about warm, natural colors. People are moving away from cool gray tones and super uniform finishes, and are choosing rich earth tones that make a home feel cozy and inviting. Shades like soft browns, honey, and warm neutrals are becoming favorites because they work with just about any style of home.
Another big trend, says Joe, is wood with character. Knots, natural grain, and little
Most of his customers are looking for higher-end products, so they want real wood that will last for many years. “Hardwood, whether it’s engineered prefinished or engineered unfinished, or it’s solid hardwood, those are going to be the best choices,” he says.
imperfections are no longer things to hide. They’re what give floors personality and make each piece feel unique. Homeowners want floors that tell a story, not ones that look mass-produced.
One of the best ways to achieve this look is to refinish existing hardwood. A good refinishing brings out the wood’s natural beauty while updating the color and finish to match current trends. The end result is a floor that looks fresh, timeless, and made to last for years.
Joe always stays on top of what’s current in the industry. His goal now is to expand his business and have a store in Boyne City, MI. He and Jennifer also hope to bring their children, 14-year-old Elliott and 9-year-old Evalina, into the business one day. The kids have already shown interest in doing so.
“When they have teacher professional development days, Evalina likes to join me at work in the office, and Elliot likes to go on-site with the guys and his dad,” says Jennifer. “They train him a little, and he’s getting a feel for it.”
It’s already a true family business. “Family has always been at the heart of what we do,” she says. “Our nephew, Anthony, works with us as one of our technicians, and everyone on our team, whether related by blood or not, is considered family. We look out for each other and make sure everyone has the support they need to succeed.”
Whether you want new flooring or to refurbish an old hardwood floor, Joe and his team can make it happen.
To learn more, go to SmithsHardwood.com
Email: alex.martinez@raymondjames.com
Phone: 313.343.6809
Email: alex.martinez@raymondjames.com
Website: raymondjames.com/alexmartinez
Website: raymondjames.com/alexmartinez
Into each life, as the saying goes, some rain must fall.
If it comes with gale-force winds that upend a giant tree, taking half your brick paver patio with it before crashing down on your breakfast nook, you will probably be calling your insurance company to file a claim.
Leon Istambouli recommends you call him first. The reason is your insurance company needs to conduct an investigation - - including the recording of that very first phone call - - to determine the amount of your reimbursement. The amount of that check may seem to be a big disappointment, but Leon sees it as a starting point for the real negotiations to begin.
“You need an advocate, and you need to know there is help available to assist you in negotiating a fair settlement that brings you back to your pre-loss status,” he points out.
“If you have to file a claim, make sure you have someone advocating for you,” Leon says. “The reason is simple. Insurance companies employ experts in their field, and you don’t.”
Leon is a licensed public adjuster, which makes him the only kind of insurance adjuster who is licensed by the state, and has a fiduciary duty to act solely and independently on behalf of their clients. After more than 35 years in construction, he established his own concierge-style consultancy, ClaimsSpecialists, Inc. (CSI), now serving the Grosse Pointe communities.
CSI assists clients with everything connected to homeowners insurance, from conducting a policy review (which he highly recommends) to determine whether the coverage is adequate (it usually isn’t), to handling every stage of communication for a claim to ensure his clients receive fair compensation to complete necessary repairs.
“The amount of reimbursement your insurance company will offer is based on the outcome of their investigation
into your claim,” Leon explains. “That’s why it’s important to have someone who is equally knowledgeable on your side.
“We can bring a multidisciplinary team of professionals to support your claim, adding objective analysis and technical insight,” Leon says. He holds a degree in structural engineering, a Master of Business Administration, and has been in construction since 1996. CSI’s team includes electrical engineers, architects, CPAs, and experienced commercial and residential construction professionals with expertise in damage causation, policy-driven scope development, valuation, and compliance with applicable codes and regulations.
“We forensically and scientifically gather evidence to support your claim,” he points out. “Because we do it over and over, we know where to look and we know what to expect. We set the claim up the right way from the very beginning.”
being honest with their insurance agents about how they live, what they own, and how their home is used.
“In turn,” he continues, “agents must fully understand both the policy conditions and the client’s lifestyle so coverage can be properly customized, because no two homeowners are the same. Too often, policies are compared on an apples-to-oranges basis, and the decision about which policy to buy is made based on price alone, without realizing what coverage has been removed or excluded.”
This is especially important in Grosse Pointe, because of its proximity to the lake and has so many oldgrowth trees. It is a place Leon knows well and loves. He and his wife Jocelyne (she is a Grosse Pointe North alum) live here in Grosse Pointe.
“Don’t go it alone when it comes to dealing with your most valuable personal asset.”
As a licensed public adjuster, Leon has a fiduciary duty to act on behalf of his clients, similar to an attorney or CPA. He is compensated on a contingency basis, typically 10%, and one of his primary goals is to educate homeowners about what happens behind the scenes of an insurance claim while reducing the anxiety that often comes with an unclear and complex claims process.
“There is no such thing as a good or bad insurance policy,” Leon points out. “There are bad buying decisions. Homeowners need to understand what is and isn’t covered in their full policy, not just compare declaration pages showing maximum payouts. That also means
CSI works with policyholders across the country, providing end-to-end, concierge-level claim support. The firm assists clients with complex first- and third-party claims, additional living expense coordination, valuation and settlement of damaged property, and strategic guidance throughout the claims process, bringing clarity, structure and advocacy to what is often an overwhelming experience…
Leon’s advice to homeowners is, “ Don’t go it alone when it comes to dealing with your most valuable personal asset. Call us and we can navigate it together.”
Check out their website at: www.claims-specialists.com or call (313) 403-6233.
When champion sailor and businesswoman Chelsea Simms decided to sell her beloved house at 4 Cameron Place in Grosse Pointe, she wanted a Realtor with extensive experience who would appreciate the home’s beauty and location. After meeting with Michael Fikany, the broker/owner of The James R. Fikany Real Estate Co., she knew she had found him. The agency has been in business for 64 years, and Mike has 50 years of experience.
“James was my father, and he started in the business as a young man after he came back from the Korean War,” says Mike. “He was about to get married and went to work for a good friend of my grandfather’s, who was a very successful businessman. My dad went to work for him in 1952 and then went out on his own in 1962.”
The second of eight children, Mike left college in 1975 during his sophomore year to get his real estate license in order to help his father, who had undergone open-heart surgery. He finished his education at night at the University of Detroit and went on to become a success in his own right.
Mike is honored to work with Chelsea. She’s selling her luxurious, traditional Georgian Colonial on Lake St. Clair, which she has lovingly renovated over the last five years. Built in 1990, it had retained many of that decade’s design influences.
“The wallpaper throughout the foyer had these gold and yellow stripes, and it didn’t give the space justice,” says Chelsea. “The first floor has high ceilings, and all of the doorways are about eight feet tall. The windows go almost down to the floor. My
“IT'S BITTERSWEET, BUT THE HOUSE DEFINITELY NEEDS TO BE LOVED AND LIVED IN.”
wheels were turning on just how impressive the home would feel if it could just be opened up and stripped down to just white to let all of its beautiful details shine through.”
So, that’s exactly what she did. The kitchen was originally painted a bright yellow, the cabinets were an off-white, and the backsplash was a really dark travertine. It even had a big mosaic behind the stove.
Chelsea had all of the cabinets refaced, added new quartz countertops, and an amazing marble backsplash. A new sink, faucet, and high-end appliances, combined with all new chrome hardware, gave it a nice facelift. It also has tons of storage.
“I wanted to go as crisp as I could to make it feel brighter and happier,” she says. “I love modern design, but since it’s a very traditional house, I wanted to make sure that I was really honoring that.”
When it came to the primary bathroom, she made very few changes, since it had been updated by the previous owner around 2006. “It was modernish, so I kept some of the elements in that bathroom, but then decided to go a little bit bolder and even more modern because that bathroom had already deviated from the style of the house.”
The guest bathrooms were also totally renovated. “They had Formica® countertops, and all the materials were brown, even the toilet,” says Chelsea. “The Jack-and-Jill bathroom was pink and purple, and the countertops were lavender. We used many of the same materials that we used in the kitchen to tie it all in.”
One of the things she loved about the house was its dentil moldings and other architectural details, but these were lacking in the guest bedrooms. She added those in as well to flow with the rest of the home.
Chelsea didn’t want people to walk into a room and feel like they were in a different house. “When we were finished with the project, I was actually pretty blown away with how it felt, especially in the kitchen,” she says. “In my mind, it could have been designed with the home originally.”
Another definite goal was to make the house feel cozy. “Even though the house is 4,600 square feet above ground [6,100 in total], and I was a single woman at the time, it didn’t feel that large to me. It felt homey.”
Chelsea handled all of the designs herself.
“I’ve always loved decorating. My mom is an interior designer, so I’ve been exposed to it my entire life.”
One of the things she didn’t have to change, and which sold her on the house in the first place, was the view. “When I first pulled into the circular driveway and saw that view of the lake, I remember saying to myself that I didn’t even need to go inside the house.” She bought the home that day!
Since that was in December, nothing was in bloom, but she was in for a wonderful surprise in the spring. “I love being outdoors and hosting outdoors,” says Chelsea. “The original owners did such a beautiful job with the landscaping. Each month, from May through
September, something new is in bloom. There’s a little tea garden that has four lilac trees, so in May the smell is incredible. It’s such a sweet, otherworldly experience back there.”
She and her now husband, George Peet, ended up having their wedding party in a big tent in the backyard. “We had around 70 friends and family. The house was big enough that we were able to host some of our family, too. It was a really special day.”
“I
LOVE MODERN DESIGN, BUT SINCE IT'S A VERY TRADITIONAL HOUSE, I WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT I WAS REALLY HONORING THAT.”
Today, Chelsea, her husband, who’s also a professional sailor, and their two daughters spend most of their time in Harbor Springs, where she owns and operates Running Water, a very successful wellness club. Now that they have children, it’s harder to travel to Grosse Pointe regularly, and she wants the home to be filled with life again. The circular stairway in the center of the house would be a great place for prom photos, and the backyard should reverberate with the sounds of parties or serve as a sanctuary for quiet contemplation.
“Ever since I opened my business, selling this house is something I’ve wrestled with,” she says. “It’s my dream home, and the fact that I was able to buy it as a young woman in my early 30s means a lot. It’s bittersweet, but the house definitely needs to be loved and lived in.”
To see the home for yourself, go to fikany.com/properties/ 4-cameron-place-grosse-pointe-mi-us-48230-1852-50193129.
mark@callmarkw.com Callmarkw.com
ARTICLE BY RHIANNON JOHNSON
Find inspiration in these four gorgeous books.
It takes a lot of work to make a house a home. A home reflects your personal style, functions to meet your goals, and provides relief from the outside world. However, unless you are a design professional, you likely need a bit of guidance to turn your thoughts and ideas into reality. One way is to immerse yourself in the advice and visions of award-winning architects and designers.
Flip through the gorgeous, glossy, photo-filled pages of these beautiful books and apply their lessons to your own home.
LEGEND ON LAKE COMO
In 1568 Tolomeo Gallio commissioned a grand villa overlooking Italy’s magnificent Lake Como. After two centuries in the Gallio family, Villa d’Este became home to multiple members of the aristocracy before being transformed into an elegant five-star resort in 1873. After 150 years of catering to an endless array of famous guests wishing to immerse themselves in “la dolce vita,” Villa d’Este stands as an example of blending tradition and modernity to create absolute luxury.
THE ARCHITECTURE AND ADVOCACY OF JOHN AND JANE VOLK
In the 1920s, American royalty wanted to establish a winter retreat and show off their newfound wealth. Building grand homes inspired by European palaces, they created one of the world’s most famous resort towns. Commissioned to design over 2,000 projects during his sixty years of practice, John Volk’s legacy as one of the “big five” architects of Palm Beach, can now be seen on almost every street.
Learn how to integrate elegant timelessness, celebrate bold colors and eclectic patterns, or embrace the past while living stylishly in the present.
Whether you’re building a new home, planning a renovation, or your home is simply a constant work in progress, these four new releases are sure to provide the inspiration you need to transition your house into your dream home—whatever that may look like and wherever that may be. Enjoy!
THE RESIDENTIALARCHITECTURE OF D. STANLEY DIXON
Atlanta-based architect Stan Dixon has received tremendous media attention since the founding of his firm D. Stanley Dixon Architect, Inc. in 2006. His highly-anticipated debut book showcases thirteen projects from across the country. From a relaxed Jupiter Island coastal retreat to an elegant English-manorinspired South Carolina home, each project varies geographically and stylistically, highlighting a variety of different aesthetic components.
REIMAGINING AN AMERICAN FARMHOUSE
The defined style of cozy and simple living has led to a rise in American farmhouse design in recent years. Interior designer Heide Hendricks and architect-builder Rafe Churchill show how they have brought twenty-first-century living to their late nineteenth-century New England farmhouse. This husband-and-wife team combined their talents to create a historic home that is both a personal retreat designed for everyday life and a constant source of inspiration for their other projects.
