In 1927, construction began on the Tudor Revival
house designed for auto baron Irving Jacob Reuter (1885-1972)
and his wife, Janet (1886-1984). Mr. Reuter was General Manager
and President of the Oldsmobile Corporation. The Reniger Construction
Co. of Lansing completed the 10,000 square foot house early
the next year with "countryhouse" plans drafted by
Harold Childs of East Lansing. Named "Medovue" by
the Reuters, the property currently sits on 15 acres with the
original pergola, swimming pool and gazebo as well as an artesian
well, fishpond, annual and perennial gardens, and nature trails.
Mr. Irving Reuter
Having risen through the ranks at the Remy Electric
Co., Irving Reuter caught the attention of corporate executives
after Remy merged with General Motors in 1918. By 1925, he
was appointed General Manager of the Olds Motor Car Co. The
Reuters lived and lavishly entertained at Medovue from 1928
to 1936. Great names of American business and automotive giants
were guests at social functions. The Reuters were listed both
in Who's Who in America and Who's Who in Michigan during their
tenure at Medovue. Reuter abruptly retired from Oldsmobile
in 1934 and he and Janet moved to Florida in 1936.
The Original English Gardens circa 1929
From 1940 to 1962 the Roman Catholic Church owned the property,
and the Most Reverend Joseph H.Albers, first Bishop of the
Diocese of Lansing, used the home as his private residence.
In 1989 the property was renovated and converted to an Inn,
restaurant and conference center, listed in the State Register
of Historic Sites in 1991. It is now owned by Gary and Donna
Nelson.
The Master Bedroom circa. 1930
Once again, the gracious spirit of the past thrives
throughout the Inn, with its wealth of fine antiques, massive
fireplaces and handcrafted woods and, as it once was during
the Reuter's tenure, fine dining and hospitality are the order
of the evening at The English Inn.
