1938 W Warren Ave, Detroit, MI 48208

At first our contractors didn't understand why we wanted to save the built-in kitchen cabinets. They were falling apart, painted over several times, and looked like they had been chewed up and spit out over the decades. My wife and I had our doubts about them, too. In the end we treated these built-in cabinets like the rest of the renovation: we stripped them down and rebuilt them, making them as good today as when they were constructed. Now these built-in cabinets are the focal point of one of our best renovations to date. This circa-1910, two-flat duplex came into our lives as an abandoned tax-auction purchase. We gutted the building down to its studs, and rebuilt everything new to make it 21st Century compatible while maintaining its historic charm where it counts. We refinished the five-panel doors and hardware, sanded/refurbished the oak flooring, and rebuilt the front porch to the building's original specs. This lower flat also comes with a large back deck. Its modern conveniences include high-efficiency everything, new wiring/plumbing/HVAC/data lines, central air, Energy Star-rated stainless steel appliances, private washer and dryer, beveled tile shower, and more. Each unit has two off-street parking spots behind the building. The green space around the building belongs to us and is open to the tenants. It includes raised garden beds, picnic tables, and a fire pit. A life-sized replica of the Dr. Who TARDIS that serves as a free library is next to the building. We are pet-friendly and don't charge pet fees. Rent is $1,950 per month with one-month security deposit. Landlord pays for water and alarm system. Tenants pay remaining utilities, but we have done everything within our power (high-efficiency furnace, new windows, spray foam insulation, etc.) to minimize that cost. Landlord takes care of landscaping. Owner pays water and alarm. Pet-friendly, no pet fees.