After years of being ignored, a vacant house next door to an elderly woman is up for sale.
Julia Ann Phillips remembers the house next door when it was loved and cared for. It was a house to be admired.
But when the owner passed away and it sat vacant, it became a house that kept her up at night.
Through the darkness, she could hear the metal thieves tearing it apart.
With nothing of value left inside, she worries about a fire bug setting it a blaze, which could leave her trapped in her own home of more than thirty years.
The house is owned by the Detroit Land Bank Authority. Because of the location, federal funds can't be used to tear it down or fix it up. Now, it's going up on the auction block.
A California builder, in Detroit for a conference, saw an 7 Action News report on the upcoming open house and auction.
Mohan Mahal was touched by the elderly woman's hope to live in peace and that inspired him want to possibly purchase the home. As a heart transplant recipient, Mahal wants to give back and make a difference.
"I received an organ, a heart, 22 years ago. I think it's all coming from this heart. I can not refuse what this heart wants to do." said Mahal.
However, a spokesperson for the Detroit Land Bank Authority says it can't be sold because the auction has been advertised. The builder will have to wait until the October auction.
Click on the video player to watch Ronnie Dahl's report.
Have a story for Ronnie? Email her at ronnie.dahl@wxyz.com.
