The building maintains a classy style, despite being plagued by rotting wood and boarded-up windows. A journey into the back yard reveals that the house may still have inhabitants. A dresser sits angled, almost falling into a cellar hole. The dresser does not seem to be weathered; the wood looks new and has a shiny finish. The walls are lined with green trim that fits perfectly with the green porch light dangling from a wood-paneled ceiling on the side entrance. Farther back sits a fresh bag of trash. In addition, an old rusted grill lies near an area of cracked stones which may have been a patio.
This once-beautiful structure brings decay to a bustling area. Its assessed value has risen from $5,200 in 2001 to $35,900 in 2002. The drastic rise in may be a sign of positive changes in Detroit, but this place appears to be in steep decline.
Text and photo by editorial intern Heather Rousseau.
Editor’s note: If you know of an abandoned home you would like to see featured in this spot, send a photo and pertinent information to News Hits, c/o Metro Times, 733 St. Antoine, Detroit, MI 48226 (or e-mail newshits@metrotimes.com).
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