Restoration Plans for Historic Palmer Woods Mansion After Fire

News Summary

A historic home known as the Mirton Briggs House in Detroit’s Palmer Woods neighborhood suffered extensive damage due to a fire, but restoration plans are already underway. The home’s current owner, Jerlando Jackson, who acquired the property just last year, remains committed to reviving the iconic 1920s mansion. Community support is strong, particularly from former owner Penny Kyle. As the cause of the fire is investigated, hopes are high that this beloved landmark will be restored to its former glory.

Restoration Plans Underway for Historic Palmer Woods Gem After Fire

The heart of Detroit’s charming Palmer Woods neighborhood has been bruised, but not broken, by a devastating fire at a historic home known as the Mirton Briggs House. Early Wednesday morning, flames leapt from the roof of this grand structure, causing quite a stir among locals. Firefighters bravely fought the rising inferno, but the beautiful mansion built in the 1920s is now faced with the challenge of restoration.

Incident Overview

As the sun began to rise around 7 a.m., the fire erupted near the intersection of 7 Mile and Woodward. When the firefighters arrived, they were greeted with a scene that could only be described as heartbreaking. The roof had already begun its descent, hampering their efforts to extinguish the fiery blaze.

Fortunately, there were no injuries to report; the homeowners were safely residing in the property’s guest house as they managed renovations elsewhere. This fortunate twist of fate likely saved lives and made the aftermath even more bearable for the owners.

A Glimpse into History

For those unfamiliar, the Mirton Briggs House has a rich history that extends back over a century! Designed by the renowned architect Clarence E. Day, this magnificent manor was originally home to Mirton L. Briggs, the Vice President of the Briggs Manufacturing Co., a company famous for crafting automobile bodies which helped shape America’s automotive industry.

Just last June, the property changed hands for a staggering $950,000. The current owner, Jerlando Jackson, has only been its steward for about a year, making him just the third owner in the home’s long and storied existence. And though fire has threatened its legacy, Jackson remains steadfast in his commitment to restore this iconic house to its former glory.

Complications & Challenges

The fire has raised questions about the cause, which remains under investigation. Unfortunately, the unique architectural features of the home posed considerable challenges for firefighters. The design rendered it difficult to locate the origin of the flames, resulting in a prolonged battle against the fire that ravaged this stunning property.

Dramatic footage of the response shows firefighters battling flames that were relentless. The fire began before dawn, and as they valiantly attempted to keep the structure standing, the roof’s integrity became an immediate concern, eventually leading to its collapse.

Community Response