News Summary
The iconic bottle house in Hazel Park, Michigan, originally built in 1937, has undergone a stunning restoration and is now on the market. This unique home, made from over 20,000 antique glass bottles, features a vibrant bottle mosaic and has transformed into a modern living space while preserving its quirky historical charm. The renovation includes an open-concept layout, updated kitchen and bathrooms, and a distinctive half-underground bonus room. Listed at $350,000, this remarkable property awaits a new owner who appreciates its unique character.
Renovation Revival: The 1937 Bottle House in Hazel Park is Back and Better Than Ever!
Hold onto your hats, home design lovers! The iconic bottle house, located in the charming city of Hazel Park, Michigan, is officially on the market after a stunning full restoration. Built in 1937, this extraordinary home has captured the hearts of local residents and curious passersby alike with its remarkable exterior, which is fashioned from over 20,000 antique glass bottles.
A Mosaic of Glass History
Spanning a cozy 1,225 square feet, this two-bedroom delight has been a local curiosity for decades. It’s not just a house; it’s practically a piece of living art! Originally referred to in an early newspaper article as the “glass house,” this home boasts a vibrant bottle mosaic featuring nostalgic brands like Coca-Cola and Vicks VapoRub. Can you imagine sipping soda in a house that showcases the glass legacy of your favorite drinks?
One of the unique features of the house includes two chimneys adorned with pristine white Pond’s cosmetic jars—a detail that adds to its quirky charm and historical significance. The original builder, Omar Reese, was an employee at Dodge Main in Hamtramck, and used his creativity during a building-material shortage in the late 1930s to think outside the box—literally!
A Legacy Preserved
This gem of a property hasn’t changed hands much over the years. It stayed within the same family for an astonishing 70 years! Its previous owner turned down numerous higher offers, determined to preserve this remarkable abode from demolition. Sadly, the owner passed away in October 2022, shortly after the property was sold to a new co-owner who has now breathed fresh life into it.
Behind the Scenes of Restoration
Enter investor Carl Schiller, who was approached by the previous owner’s grandson to tour the beloved home. Little did he expect the treasure trove of surprises that awaited him. The renovation process uncovered layers upon layers of plaster, paneling, and drywall, stripping the house down to its very foundation, quite literally!
Hidden water stains and improvised electrical work revealed just how much care was needed to bring the house back to its former glory. Among the delightful findings was even a trap door in a narrow hallway leading to the basement—talk about a secret entrance!
Transforming a Vintage Classic
Some original elements couldn’t be salvaged, but fear not! Schiller preserved as many bottles as possible, and these will be available for sale through a soon-to-launch website dedicated to the Hazel Park Bottle House. Upon entering, visitors will be greeted by custom wallpaper created by the Detroit Wallpaper Co., featuring a photograph of the house’s stunning bottle facade.
The renovation transformed this quirky abode into a stunning modern home with an open-concept layout, introducing bright skylights, new flooring, updated kitchen and bathroom spaces, and even a redesigned staircase! How exciting is that? The basement foundation even mirrors the iconic bottle-covered bricks seen on the exterior.
More Than Just a House
Now featured within this abode is a distinctive bonus room—one that is half-underground and filled with tall ceilings, accessible from both the basement and a separate rear entry. How cool is it to have friends over and show them a room that feels so uniquely special?
The exterior garage door is painted a playful blue, perfectly complementing the colorful bottle mosaic, making it hard to resist slowing down to get a closer look. During renovations, cars frequently stopped outside, and curious visitors asked questions to uncover the stories behind the home.
Today, the house is officially listed for just $350,000, situated only minutes from downtown Hazel Park. It’s waited for years to find a new owner who appreciates its funky, cool vibe. For those curious souls who’ve traveled from all across the country, showcasing the house to friends and family, the charm of the bottle house is infectious.
With its unique history, funky aesthetic, and a long-lasting legacy, the Hazel Park Bottle House is more than just a home—it’s a portal through time, and it’s ready for its next chapter!
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