Saturday, November 28, 2015

Some Shots Around Detroit

After the Federal Katsura, I decided to wander around Detroit for a bit.  I was actually on a mission.
 First I decided to get a fog shrouded picture of Detroit.
 The object of my quest was a house that is currently being restored by Nicole Curtis of Rehab Addict on House and Garden TV.  This house was built for Ransom Gillis between 1876 and 1878 at a cost of $12,000 (now worth considerably more).  It was sold in 1880 and passed between four different families until 1919.  There used to be a carriage house behind it which was rented by Mary Chase Perry Stratton to become the first iteration of Pewabic Pottery.  In the 1930's, a storefront was added to the house and stayed in business until the 1960's.  There were several efforts to restore the house but those failed and it fell into the hands of the city in 2001.  Nicole Curtis is trying to restore it to its former grandeur.  I wish her luck and I'll have to say it looks pretty good right now.
 The house itself is located in what is known as the Brush Park district of Detroit.  It used to be the home of many well to do families.
 A view of Downtown Detroit.
 The Frederick Butler house was originally built for a banker in 1882.  In 2006, it was restored and converted to condos.
 John P. Fiske was a merchant of china and crockery.  The house was built in 1876.
 I'm not sure what this house was, but it shows that there is still a ways to go.
This is known as the George Ladve House and was built in 1882.  It's original owner had a carpet and upholstery company.  In the late 1890's, the Frohlich family added a music room.  They were one of the early benefactors of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.

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