Extreme Home Makeover: Joseph Berry Edition

A home in one of Detroit’s most exclusive neighborhoods will go to auction today, presenting bidders with the opportunity to live alongside some rather illustrious neighbors, including Mayor Mike Duggan.

The home at 325 Fiske St. was recently listed by the Detroit Land Bank Authority, along with pictures that indicate the 2,000-square-foot home, constructed in 1925, will need extensive renovations. But officials are confident that the home represents tremendous potential for buyers.

“Its the worst house in the best neighborhood,” says DLBA Public Affairs Director Craig Fahle. “But it could be the best house in the best neighborhood.”

It is located less than a block from the Manoogian Mansion, which has served as official residence for Detroit mayors since the late 1960s. In addition to the mayor, the Historic Joseph Berry Subdivision has more recently become home to Detroit celebrities of a slightly different nature.

In 2012, the Detroit Free Press reported the sale of a six-bedroom colonial on Dwight Street to Kid Rock. In a special Fourth of July installment of Charlie Leduff’s The Americans, the musician explained his decision for buying in the neighborhood.

“Everyone’s in that rat race going up to northern Michigan, which is beautiful, but it's like I don’t have to deal with that traffic. I’m coming south to Detroit for the weekends, to hang down here. Water’s just as nice. Beavers are back. Got a fox in the backyard.”

For more information, visit the auction site at Building Detroit.