Property purchased by the Matthaei family, the site of an old gravel pit with a railroad spur. The sand was bulldozed down, clover and pines were planted, and the family moved in during the 1940s.
Living in Matthaei Farm
Matthaei Farm is a hidden gem - a community filled with natural beauty and friendly neighbors.
Matthaei Farm was founded with a commitment to building homes in harmony with the contours of the land and preserving the natural landscape, forests, and trails for all to enjoy. This commitment is reflected in a plan that clusters individual home sites together, preserving relatively large areas of open natural space as common areas, rather than using a conventional subdivision design.
Our History
Enjoy the unique story of Matthaei Farm.
1930s
Late 1950s and early 1960s
800 acres donated to the University of Michigan by Frederick C. Matthaei Sr. which became Radrick golf course and the Botanical Gardens.
1960s
Frederick Jr. and wife Betty added some property and raised their family here.
1965
The pond house was built by the Matthaei family.
1978
Preliminary plans for a 100 acre subdivision in Superior Township promise architecturally controlled estates in a natural setting. The subdivision has been planned to preserve as much as possible the woods and natural setting.
1985
Official ground breaking for Matthaei Farm, a planned 100 acre development of 72 luxury homes northeast of Ann Arbor in Superior Township. The family is the sole developer, Hobbs + Black was hired as the architect and Richard A. Russel hired as the builder, and Charles Reinhart as the realtor. The vision was that the homes would have condominium conveniences, and share the spring fed pond, pond house, tennis court and nature trails.
1987
First home is constructed.