J. Ivan Dise (1887–1969) was an influential Detroit architect whose work defined many residential, civic, and institutional structures across the Detroit metropolitan area. Dise, who studied architecture at the University of Pennsylvania, started his career under famed architect Cass Gilbert in New York before relocating to Detroit, where he joined the firm of Albert Kahn in 1919. By 1922, Dise had established his own firm and quickly became known for blending Tudor Revival and Gothic Revival styles, especially in his residential designs in upscale neighborhoods like Grosse Pointe.
One of Dise’s landmark projects was the Grosse Pointe Farms Sewage Pumping Station (1929), which exemplifies his skill in using Art and Crafts and Tudor-Gothic influences to create a building that balanced utility with architectural beauty. Constructed with a mix of brick and limestone, the building features asymmetrical design, tall windows, and cross-shaped limestone mullions, characteristic of Dise’s attention to historical architectural detail
In addition to civic buildings, Dise designed several luxurious private residences, including those along Country Club Lane in Grosse Pointe Farms. His work on these homes involved intricate limestone accents, large fireplaces, and spacious layouts, often at the request of Detroit’s wealthiest families. Dise’s designs contributed to Detroit’s architectural heritage and continue to be valued for their craftsmanship and aesthetic appeal.