Abandoned Shelter of the Week

Feb 13, 2002 at 12:00 am

Audio By Carbonatix

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This week’s abandoned home last saw life as a house of worship, but it’s been awhile since any preaching occurred here. Neighbors say the structure at 6351 Waterloo on Detroit’s east side was abandoned after catching fire about two years ago. The place has been condemned by the city, with a warning not to enter posted on the front door. But around back, News Hits saw much evidence of people making use of the building. Lord only knows exactly what they’re doing there.

As a side note, this feature has created one hell of a hullabaloo on the “Fabulous Ruins of Detroit” Web forum. Echoing the sentiments of many in the group, someone with the e-name detroit gal wrote:

“I guess what bothers me is the flippant writing that accompanies each abandoned house. Something so tragic; a once-beautiful house, filled with memories for somebody, signifying the breakdown of some viable neighborhood and maybe even being the scene of crimes against children is used as cheap entertainment by the deeply ironic, self-referential, faux alternative (really corporate) journalism world.”

We recommend you check out the lively debate, which has grown particularly interesting in recent days as the discussion has moved from Metro Times’ “frat boy” mentality (a slur that’s, like, totally offensive to all the sorority chicks here) to the actual issue of abandoned houses in the city. News Hits plans on participating soon, but first we have to find out what faux means.

Photo and text by Curt Guyette.

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).

Check out all of our Abandoned Shelters of the Week