Building Information Across from Ransom Gillis in Brush Park (Detroit: insurance, home)

[dalien14]

Thanks for the information. As far as some of your concerns go, I have thought about many of these issues (some of them I have not).

1,5 - Not necessarily concerned with making it "look residential". A possibility for that portion of the site could be a commercial setting for the community? Granted I have not thought about the specifics of the programing at all yet. I had not considered possible soil contamination, but you are right, that could be a serious concern depending on what was going on in there (part of the reason I posted here in the first place!). Those more recent buildings will indeed be a challenge to deal with (regardless of renovation or demolition)

2,3,4 - I was actually thinking of using the stable walls as the walls of a courtyard. So no problem with gutting or renovating into residential setting.

6,7 - You are right again. The neighborhood may not be ideal for the sort of residents I am envisioning at this time, but I am thinking of this project as a sort of prototype for redevelopment in the future. As far as rezoning goes, I wouldn't think the city would object to re-re-zoning this area for housing (if it is not still zoned that way, confusing because of the aparent commercial use) in the name of re-population of the neighborhood.

I am glad to hear that you are very familiar with the city and are willing to help me out. I recognize that there is a lot of true statements in your concerns about families living together, but I guess these issues are in part the "problems" for me to "solve" with my thesis. As far as why people would want to live together despite the American ideal of individualism, I truly think that this is changing as times continue to get harder. It is true that right now in 2012 most Americans have no interest in living with their families, but when faced with a sort of paradigm shifting situation (economic slow-down, baby boomer retirement, outsourcing), this will become far more desirable than it is today. Economically, it is true that my idea is definitely not the cheapest way to find a house. I am hoping that by combining construction costs and expensive utilities/services some of the additional demolition costs can be offset.

Thanks again for your input, it is very helpful to hear real concerns. Helps me sort out my thoughts as well.

[Retroit]

Glad I can help. And I realize that you are trying to think out-of-the-box so as to present something unique to your professor. I remember those days of having to write a report on something of which I have absolutely no knowledge of or experience with. (Glad they're over! )

I think you are right track not trying to use the stable for living quarters, but just using it for its walls would be a shame. I would try to use it as either a garage or some type of studio for arts or crafts of some kind. That building is the only draw to that piece of property, in my opinion. Heck, maybe even use it as a stable - now that is Green!

[dalien14]

haha. instead of the RE-house maybe i should name it RE-Horse

[Retroit]

Oh, I missed that "RE-house" when I read your thesis. The letters run together.

Personally, I think you should call it RE-troit.

[dalien14]

Thats actually a pretty good idea....

[Retroit]

Damn, I knew I should have copyrighted that!

()

[dalien14]

Hope all is well. Did you by any chance get the time to drive by that Brush Park stable and check out the scene for me? If not, thats fine, just let me know if/when you think you will be able to. If its not really a reality, I will just go ahead and schedule my visit to check it out for myself. Thanks.

[Retroit]

I drove by today and snapped the following pictures. The buildings and property are pretty much the same as in the Google Maps. Even the Big Wheels haven't moved! (?) The new wood construction that was in one of the "views" was subsequently burnt down.

[Retroit]

Also, across the street there is a little community garden. And the Gillis house had some workers inside.

[dalien14]

Great! thanks. it looks pretty much the same as all the other pics. I will be coming up to Detroit to look around myself this weekend, I am glad I at least know what I should expect to find there now. Thanks again for all your help.

In other news, I have been browsing the Detroit directories from 1910 - 25ish and discovered that those buildings were an auto-repair place, a billiards company, and a trailer company at different times. Just in case you were interested...

looking forward to my trip.