Detroit Train Station Revival

As of August 2017, Detroit’s historic Motown Mansion changed hands during an impressive real estate transaction.

The transaction qualified as the second largest real estate deal in Detroit this year. The home changed hands for an impressive $1.65 million.

While the transaction was impressive, the home itself is equally as stunning.

Built in 1917, the home sprawls over 10,500 square feet and holds 10 bedrooms, 5 full bathrooms, and 4 fireplaces. The pool house adds an additional 4,400 square feet of living space while a carriage house boasts another 1,000 square feet. Other features include a billiard room, stain-glass windows, multiple fireplaces, black walnut paneling, a hand-crafted fountain, and a bowling alley. The property is a beautiful 2.2-acre corner lot.

The home was built by an immigrant from Denmark, Nels Michelson, who came to the US with little but his name. Settling in Michigan, Michelson started his own lumber business from scratch—utilizing nothing but a single mule to haul the lumber. Michelson squirrelled away his money, working ferociously, and eventually purchased his own lumber mill in 1906, the Grayling Lumber Co.

Realizing Detroit was a city on the rise, Michelson moved his family to the Motor City. He started another business, a home building company, and built the property that would eventually be known as the Motown Mansion.

The founder of Motown Records, Berry Gordy, purchased the home in 1967 and continued to live onsite until 1969. However, he owned the home up until 2002. The home has since changed hands several times, including the most recent owner—a local Detroiter who is relocating back to San Francisco.

Listed by Deborah Smith of Family First Team at Keller Williams, the property had multiple inquiries over its listing period from all over the world. Potential buyers included residents of London, Dubai, and Brazil.

News & Image Source: https://www.clickondetroit.com/real-estate/detroits-historic-motown-mansion-sells-for-16-million