A vacant house that has been a constant concern for an elderly neighbor is going up for sale.
Julia Ann Phillips has trouble sleeping at night. She lies awake, listening, and worrying about a fire bug setting the house ablaze. Her house sits just a few feet away. If the fire were to spread, she could become trapped after a medical condition left her unable to walk.
Her family members have been trying for years to get something done with the problem property, but their pleas for help went unanswered. 7 Action News Reporter Ronnie Dahl joined the fight last year.
The house is owned by the Detroit Land Bank Authority. Because of it's location, funds aren't available to fix it up or to tear it down. Instead, it's going up for auction.
"We think this house is a prime candidate for rehabilitation." said Craig Fahle with the Detroit Land Bank Authority. "It's a gorgeous house, it' just needs a little TLC."
The house has been stripped by metal thieves and will need a lot of work to bring it up to code, but the house has a lot of character. The hardwood floors are solid and the custom woodwork is to be admired. Rehabbing it and bringing life back to the house will not only benefit the new owners, but bring peace to the nice neighbor next door.
"It would be a blessing." said Ms. Phillips.
Open house is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 26 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Auction is scheduled for October 12. Opening bid starts at $1,000.
To learn more about the auction, visit auctions.buildingdetroit.org.
