From Derelict House to Dream Home

3951 Three Mile Drive has undergone a complete transformation. Image courtesy of Jim West

Morningside has entered a period of rejuvenation over the last few years. Houses that have sat vacant, sometimes for decades, are being seriously rehabbed and sold. Last month, residents got a look inside one of Morningside’s most successful rehabs - 3951 Three Mile. Those of us who’ve driven by that property many times over the years can hardly recognize it now that it’s gotten a complete home makeover.

The organizational engine of this project is USNAP-BAC, a non-profit community development organization headquartered at E. Warren and Alter, which has been building and rehabbing housing in our neighborhood since 1987.

Affordability and accessibility are key components of this rehab project. Grant dollars from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) and other sources required the Three Mile home to be energy-efficient and ADA-compliant, allowing residents to “age in place.”

Affordability for Detroit families is the main goal of U-SNAP-BAC’s housing efforts. Purchase price for the home is $189,000, even though the costs of rehabilitation exceeded $200,000. Government funding requirements for “low/moderate income” housing will result in our new neighbors being (for example) a family of four with a maximum annual income of around $57,000.

U-SNAP-BAC purchased the house from the Detroit Land Bank and enlisted former Morningside resident Steve Manning to serve as its General Contractor. Steve was all smiles as neighbors toured the finished product of his team’s efforts. “The house was in terrible shape,” he said. “We had to brace the floors, put in new electrical and plumbing, HVAC, a new roof, landscaping, new porch and driveway…Basically it’s a new house.” After experiencing some problems with contractors when he started this rehab in January, Steve is proud of the team he assembled.

“My right hand Romelle Woodard is reliable, dependable, keeps me organized, and holds it down when I’m not around. My lead carpenter Devaughn Clements, this guy is like a Swiss Army knife. He can do it all - carpentry, plumbing, HVAC , and electrical all on a professional level. I wish I had ten of him. Otis Williams, the newest addition to our crew, from day one has been “Steady Eddie”… Danny Murray, my electrician and ‘big Cuz’ has been with me for 30 years.” It’s clear from the way Steve talks that this isn’t just a job for him. “If I die with a hammer in my hand, know that I died a happy man,” he says.

Jodee Jackson, Construction Manager with U-SNAP-BAC, has also been essential to the success of this project. She describes her job as “merging the gap between the guys whose feet are on the pavement and then the ownership.” Any project like this, which includes the efforts of city and state government, financial institutions, and realtors, will require a lot of paperwork. It’s Jodee’s job to make sure that all the documentation is submitted correctly, and to help brainstorm when a problem arises. “It felt good to be part of a team effort,” she says.

The fully remodeled kitchen at 3951 Three Mile Drive includes stainless steel appliances. Image courtesy of Jim West

The renovated living room at 3951 Three Mile Drive. Image courtesy of Jim West

Two more Morningside houses will be rehabbed by U-SNAP-BAC in the near future. One has just been started in the first block south of Warren on Three Mile, and the other will be on Bedford.

Morningside President Eric Dueweke also serves on the Board of U-SNAP-BAC. In Eric’s words, “Having lived on Three Mile for over 30 years, I’m thrilled to see this project come to fruition. And I’m hopeful that the Land Bank will continue to work with U-SNAP-BAC and other non-profits across the city so that our success can be replicated.”

Check out Zillow for more photos of the property. For more information about 3951 Three Mile and how you can purchase it, contact Caldwell Realty at 248-469-4990.