PPalmeralmer WWoodsoods PPostost Quarterly Newsletter of the Association • www.palmerwoods.org • February-April 2008 P.O. Box 21086 • , 48221

Renovations, revitalization and renewed energy Spirit in the Woods P h o t o s

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B a r e f i e l d Clarinetist Charlie Gabriel and cousin Larry Gabriel perform a Mardi Gras march through the audience at the January concert.

reserving and revitalizing a neighbor- hood is reflected in a myriad of flavors, Pand through the efforts of motivated, visionary individuals and teams. In the face of isolation and dispair, vacant homes, vandal- ism, and escalating taxes, neighbors are fight- ing back to strengthen and protect our homes and community. It is not easy, but the rewards are multifold and radiant. The owners of the architectural treasures lining the winding streets of Palmer Woods are guardians of irreplace- able monuments to a period of creativity and brilliance in design and construction. When one of these treasures is stripped, abused and de- molished, it is a painful and irretrievable loss. In this issue of the Post on page 21, we meet new neighbors Brian Rankel and Dan Jones. They are lovingly and painstakingly renovating their home on Strathcona, which they saved from its dismal and fore- closed state. On page 16, “A Tale of Two Mansions” reports on rescue attempts which follow vastly different paths: the Van Dusen mansion (in its first steps of renovation by new owners Kenan and Angie Bakirci) and the “Clipper (Fisher) Estate” (which burned in 1993). Beginning on page 12, we visit three other Palmer Woods homes, the venues for the first Palmer Woods Music in Homes concerts. Taste the excitement shared by guests who gathered from the Metro-Detroit Guitarist Spencer Barefield and vocalist Shahida Nurullah area, Canada and Ohio, to enjoy our homes and music. at the holiday concert in December.

Palmer Woods Post 1 February~April 2008 2007-2008 Palmer Woods Association Board Thank you Vacant (until March 12), President Two dedicated, long-serving Robert Perkins, Vice President Board members step down Culture Committee 892-7002 The Palmer Woods Association’s Board of Directors has Deborah Copeland, Secretary been fortunate to have highly dedicated members serve. Communications Committee 369-1327 Membership on the Board is a voluntary position and ulti- Gerald Primak, Treasurer mately requires immeasurable time and energy. Nancy Gal- Membership Committee, 368-5898 ster, Rochelle Lento and Jane Strand are three such Palmer Nancy Galster Rochelle Lento, Legal Advisor Woods residents who served on the Board with the utmost 891-5662 commitment and faced many challenges in our neighborhood Beth Carnaghi, Preservation Committee and city. Last year, former Board member Johnny Lunsford 806-4314 stepped down as security chair. We expressed our apprecia- Fredie Carter-Bonner, Culture Committee tion to him in the last issue of the Post. 892-2851 On March 11, at the Annual Meeting and elections, you Brian Johnson, Children’s Committee and have the opportunity to fill four open seats on the Board (read Security Committee, 313-598-6198 about the candidates on page 4-5). Karen Mackie We pay tribute to our retiring board members, and to their Communications Committee, 893-1350 dedication, tireless contributions to improve our neighbor- Sandra Powell, 893-7372 hood, cohesive leadership, and ability to motivate others: Nancy Galster served as co-chair of the Home Tour Com- Joe Rogowski, Children’s Committee Rochelle Lento mittee from 2000-2004. She was elected to the Board in 248-302-7051 2001 and began her term as president in 2004. She handled Ruth Stallworth, 892-3848 the position magnificently. During her presidency, Palmer Jane Strand, Concerts in Homes Committee Woods endured an extensive sewer and road reconstruction, 891-1203 an ash tree devastation, and a sharp increase in abandoned Craig Vanderburg, 891-3306 and foreclosed homes, just to name a few of the more difficult The Board meets monthly to address neighbor- situations. In facing numerous challenging issues, she and hood concerns. Annual Association Members’ meetings are held to elect new officers and re- other members of the Board represented Palmer Woods with view, with our residents, the status of the previous skilled diplomacy. She worked valiantly with our residents, year’s business.The annual cost to join the Asso- neighboring communities, and officials from the state and ciation is $495.The money is allocated to the up- keep of the neighborhood, including the mainte- city, including the police and other various city departments. nance of the garden areas, street snow removal Rochelle Lento, a longtime Board member, has decided and private security, and a subscription to the to hang up her hat officially, but will remain active in assist- Jane Strand neighborhood newsletter, The Post. Dues provide the means for the Association to sponsor and or- ing the Board with various projects. The priority, at this time, is investigating the status ganize various “get-to-know-your-neighbor” events of the area’s numerous abandoned and foreclosed homes. Having served on the Board such as the Music in Homes series, Jazz and for 14 of her 16 years in the neighborhood, she has held numerous positions. The most Classical Concerts, and activities for children and families. To join, call Gerald Primak, 368-5898 or demanding was that of president for four years from 1998-2002 and legal advisor for email: [email protected] many more. During that period, the first sewer project in the neighborhood was com- KEEP in TOUCH pleted, McDonald’s built its new store on Seven Mile, the Fairgrounds attempted to General Info develop a racetrack, we began negotiations for new lighting in the community, and chil- [email protected] dren’s activities were resurrected in Palmer Woods. Jane Strand served as chair of the Palmer Woods Home Tours from 2000-2006, and Security Info currently chairs the first PW Music in Homes series. As one home tour ended, Jane [email protected] would begin planning for the coming year. Each year, Jane and her committee devel- Dispatch: 313-819-7100 oped a new approach to the tour, keeping it fresh. Under her guidance, the home tour Securitas patrols 12 hours per day; continued to be profitable. Unable to secure homes for a tour in 2007, the concert urge your neighbors to join the PW series was proposed to Jane and the Board by the Barefields. Embracing the potential, Association to increase hours of patrol. Jane, as usual, dedicated herself to making this new project work, and work it has. PW Music in Homes On behalf of the residents of Palmer Woods, the Board of Directors would like to palmerwoods.org • 313-920-4864 thank Nancy Galster, Rochelle Lento and Jane Strand for their time and dedication. We Palmer Woods Post will miss their enthusiastic participation in projects which have insured that Palmer Barbara Barefield Woods remains one of the residential jewels of Detroit. Editor & Graphic Designer Deborah Copeland [email protected] •313-891-2514 Secretary, Palmer Woods Association Board www.palmerwoods.org Contributors this issue: Barbara Barefield, Deborah Copeland, Jeff Hines, Mimi Helveston, Brian Johnson, Helen Love, Joel Pitcoff, Brian Rankel, Craig Vanderburg

Palmer Woods Post 2 February~April 2008 Make your voice heard Attend the Palmer Woods Association Annual Meeting

March 11, 2008, is the date that you, Palmer Woods residents, can get a clear under- Palmer Woods Association standing of the various chal- lenges—both positive and nega- ANNUAL MEETING tive—that are impacting our neighborhood. All neighbors: Attend, vote & voice your concerns This is the opportunity for you to meet the Board members TUESDAY,MARCH 11 • 7pm who volunteer their time to rep- All Saints Episcopal Church resent you to city and state offi- 3837 W. Seven Mile Road (just down the block from Palmer Woods: cials, the Western District Police between Birchcrest and Oak on the south side of Seven Mile) Station, other neighborhood coalitions, construction crews SPECIAL GUESTS: Developer Elliott Hall: Shoppes at Gateway Mall, 8 Mile/Woodward and security patrols. Detroit Police Sgt. Jim Orth: Security and fighting crime in Palmer Woods The Board also oversees tree Plus: Neighborhood Limited Access Plan • NEZ & Tax Assessments and flower plantings, the island Financial & Security Reports • Election of new Board Members landscaping, snow removal, and Updates on: reforestation, children’s activities, concerts, dinner dance & more security alert emails, along with Bring your checkbooks to buy tickets for the PW Dinner Dance~Concert with Straight Ahead Trio organizing opportunities for us at the historic designed on Saturday, April 26, 2008. to know one another, through the picnics, classical and jazz concerts, and this year a new event, the Palmer Woods Music in Homes can make a difference in the neighbor- Annual Meeting Agenda concert series, which has been an over- hood by joining committees that make Opening comments & greetings whelming success. The series highlights Palmer Woods thrive and prosper. and recognition of resigning Board some of Detroit’s finest musical talent, All is not perfect in the Woods, how- members – Dr. Robert Perkins along with showcasing some of Palmer ever, as a community of committed, uni- Woods’ magnificent homes. fied residents we can be proud of the re- Guests Speakers: Come and learn how the Board is serv- markable area in which we live. • Western District Police Precinct ing you and most importantly how you Commander – Sgt. Jim Orth • Shoppes at Gateway (Mall at 8 Mile and Woodward) – Elliott Hall Terms and conditions of members Committee Reports: elected to the Association’s Board of Directors • Security – Brian Johnson • Member’s dues and security must be paid in full. • Children’s – Joe Rogowski • Attend regularly scheduled meetings (second Tuesday of every month with the • Membership/Treasury – exception of the months of July and August). Meetings are from 7:00-9:00 p.m. Gerald Primak and are held at members’ homes on a rotation basis. • Communications – Karen Mackie • Conduct, manage and control the business affairs and property of the Associa- • Preservation – George Galster tion. This is inclusive of evaluating issues of concern of the community and rec- New Business ommending, establishing and implementing policy. • Concert Series – Barbara Barefield • Report Association information to members at the Annual Meeting, any special and Jane Strand meeting or as reasonably requested by the members. • Dinner Dance – Ruth Stallworth • Serve on at least one Association committee. • Neighborhood Limited Access Plan – • Periodically review and determine the cost of an Association membership. Craig Vanderburg • Serve on the Board of Directors for a period of three years. • NEZ and recent assessments – Jeff Hines • Election of new Board of Directors PW Board Candidate Statements • Recognition of new residents and re- membrances of those who have passed Read about the candidates on page 4 and vote at the • Open Session for Q and A. Annual Meeting, March 11. Nominations will also be taken from the floor. Palmer Woods Post 3 February~April 2008 PW Board Candidate Statements Vote at the Annual Meeting, March 11 Evan Burkholder I have the experience, time and energy Services Plans. Diane is a practicing den- Why do you want to serve on the Board? to contribute to saving this wonderful tist with offices in Detroit and Southfield. Although the neighborhood faces a place. We know it’s work. We’ve see the We have two sons, Brandon and Christo- number of issues, the one we are most efforts of others. pher. Brandon attended Howard Univer- concerned about is crime. I believe my Jeff Hines sity and now is pursuing a music career experience qualifies me to assist in in New York. Christopher is currently a Why do you want to serve on the Board? thwarting and limiting this crime. We junior at Howard University School of Palmer Woods is a strong community ourselves are the victims of three separate Business. and undoubtedly one of the best places to crimes in the last six months. For us, this live in the Metro-Detroit area. I am volun- is unprecedented. These experiences am- Mary Anne (Mimi) Helveston teering to serve on the Board because I plify my commitment to reducing this Why do you want to serve on the Board? feel that I can contribute my leadership crime wave. I believe that Palmer Woods has some skills and expertise to complement the of the most amazing and talented people What skills/expertise can you bring to existing Board members in their quest to in SE Michigan. Unfortunately, especially the Board and neighborhood? make Palmer Woods an even better place in the winter, we do not see one another Specifically, I was Police Commissioner in to live. often and forget what energy is in the a suburb north of . I understand What skills/expertise can you bring to neighborhood. I would like to serve on how communities on the fringe of a large the Board and neighborhood? the Board to help harness that energy into metropolitan area may become easy tar- I have strong financial, analytical and projects that continue to publicize the de- gets for crime. I both prosecuted and de- problem solving skills. I am also a com- sireability of the neighborhood locally fended criminal defendants while in the mitted team player. I will make sure that and in Michigan. military. I understand the problems we any responsibility that I assume will be I served on the Board for about 12 face. carried through to completion with the years during the mid-1980s through the What would you like to work on to im- highest level of effort. mid-1990s, and I believe I can use my in- prove our neighborhood? depth knowledge of neighborhood his- What would you like to work on to im- The single most important project is tory to strengthen our perspective and prove our neighborhood? maintaining security in our neighbor- reach out to neighbors who have lived I would like to begin by joining the hood at a time when the City has limited here for many years, as well as welcome Property Tax Committee. I am sure that I resources. If we cannot preserve our new neighbors. can use my knowledge of the property neighborhood and maintain safety and tax system to help address the tax issues What skills/expertise can you bring to security, then Palmer Woods will be aban- that are currently burdening Palmer the Board and neighborhood? doned just as so many other neighbor- Woods. Time permitting I would be will- I had a business called “Detroit Alive” hoods have been abandoned. ing to serve on other committees. which created audio-visual shows em- What do you love about Palmer Woods phasizing the positive aspects of Detroit. What do you love about Palmer Woods and what do you think we can change to It was used by various businesses, includ- and what do you think we can change to make our neighborhood stronger? ing Detroit Economic Growth Corpora- make our neighborhood stronger? We need to reach out to both members tion, to recruit people to work for Detroit There many things that I love about and non-members in an effort to protect businesses. I also have been an attorney Palmer Woods including the unique his- our property, secure our streets and en- for 24 years, so I have developed negoti- torical homes, the mature trees that line courage more home ownership during ating, writing and argumentative skills the neighborhood and the diversity of economically challenging times. Reduc- which I can apply to the Board. neighbors. I would like the Board to con- ing crime means limiting access (deter- tinue to sponsor events that foster What would you like to work on to im- rence) and covert patrols (apprehension). stronger relationships between the resi- prove our neighborhood?I have been Involvement of members of the commu- dents of Palmer Woods. contributing articles and helping to de- nity can also be effective. We report slow velop editorial content for the PW Post moving vehicles and suspicious activity. Please let us know a little about you and for some time. I would like to continue We talk to people. It helps. your family and how long you have lived doing that. I would also like to work on a We love this neighborhood. We in PW and Detroit. committee that promotes Palmer Woods looked at every house on the market in My wife, Diane Hines, and I were born as an attractive and desireable place to Palmer Woods for over 18 months before and raised in Detroit. After attending the live to help fill our vacant homes. moving in. For over 13 years, we have we moved to enjoyed the company of our neighbors, Southfield. We moved to Palmer Woods What do you love about Palmer Woods our yard, the wildlife and the walks. That in 1993. I am a CPA and I serve as a Se- and what do you think we can change to changed when this crime wave arrived. nior Financial Manager with UAW Legal make our neighborhood stronger?

Palmer Woods Post 4 February~April 2008 Your safety, property value I continue to be inspired by the unique and amazing archi- ture of our neighborhood. And I love that I live in a neighbor- and quality of life in hood with so many talented and interesting people. I am deeply concerned that the housing/mortgage crisis has had Palmer Woods is worth such an impact on our neighborhood. We really need to de- velop a neighborhood policy regarding the vacant homes. $9.52 a week, right? Please let us know a little about you and your family and how long you have lived in PW and Detroit. • Security: $73,900 per year My husband and I raised our two sons here after moving to • Snow removal: $5,300 per year Palmer Woods from University District in 1979. We have a • Landscaping & improvements: $10,000 per year room for our granddaughter in our house when she visits with her dad. My family has been in Detroit for many years. In fact, Plus more: my mother’s family “farm” was the land between John R and • Communication via the Palmer Woods Post, email notices and Woodward, Six Mile and Seven Mile Roads. Two of the streets, security alerts, website: palmerwoods.org. Grixdale and Hildale, carry the family names, Grix and Hild. • Events, gatherings, block parties and concerts help us meet our My mother’s uncles were Senator Thomas Palmer’s pallbearers. neighbors and build a caring, safer community. Chris Jackson What does the Securitas patrol do? Why do you want to serve on the Board? I want to serve on the Board of Directors so that I may as- Securitas patrols our neighborhood and monitors unusual, sus- sist in improving our neighborhood and improve the quality of picious activities. In addition to the visual presence of the roving life for my family. patrol car as a deterrent to intruders, Palmer Woods benefits from many services. The 12-hour-a-day protection is usually at night What skills/expertise can you bring to the Board and neigh- and early morning, but the time schedule does vary. borhood? The skills that I can bring to the Board and neighborhood If all Palmer Woods residents pay their membership dues, include my 10 years of experience as a Detroit City Council these services could expand to 24-hour-a-day protection: staff person. As the former Chief of Staff to former Council • Immediate response to burglar alarm & emergencies President Gil Hill, I have assisted community groups with • Safe arrival/escort service many of the same issues we are faced with as a community • Suspicious activity response and investigation here in Palmer Woods. I can assist us as we navigate the bu- • Street patrol to prevent crime reaucracy to achieve our goals as a neighborhood association. • Security checks on your home if you away or out of town What would you like to work on to improve our neighbor- hood? I would like to work on the street closure initiative. Palmer Woods Association What do you love about Palmer Woods and what do you think we can change to make our neighborhood stronger? Renew now! I love the Palmer Woods sense of community. I love our beautiful homes and the diversity of the people. I believe that K $495 for the full year, January-December. it is a great place to raise a family, take walks, jog, bike and K If you have special financial restrictions and enjoy nature. need to discuss other payment arrangements, Please let us know a little about you and your family and how call 368-5898. long you have lived in PW and Detroit. I am 39 years old. I am married to Lisa Jackson. We have For New Members: two boys Chris, 9, and Matthew, 7. We have been living in K To arrange for a special pro-rated fee for the Palmer Woods for six years. Both my wife and I are life-long rest of the year, call 368-5898. Detroiters. We have a love for Detroit that we carry with us all over the world. Prior to living in Palmer Woods we lived for K Enclosed is my check for $_____ made out eight years in Historic West Village. We have a passion for ren- to the Palmer Woods Association. Mail to P.O. ovating our homes and restoring them to their original Box 21086, Detroit, Michigan 48221 grandeur. We love the arts and frequent the museums in De- troit often, as well as the DSO and many jazz concerts. I am Name______currently on the Board of Directors for the Charles H. Wright Address______Museum of African American History. I am the managing part- ner of Jackson Consulting Group, a government relations firm. Phone______Email______Dale Morgan A dedicated, active and longtime neighbor, Dale is also a can- For more info call didate. Gerald Primak, 368-5898

Palmer Woods Post 5 February~April 2008 Team efforts make a difference A message from our Security Director BY BRIAN JOHNSON n September 25, 2007, the first Palmer Woods Forum took place Oat the Michigan State Fairgrounds auditorium. The purpose was to provide information to residents regarding options for improving safety in the neighborhood by changing traffic flow and closing streets. Ideas that may help to better the community we live in were presented. On the one hand this did occur. On the other hand, however, what also occurred was a rebirth of a community. It took the spark of issues people cared about—their safety and their homes—to bring the people out in force and join together with their peers to listen, to learn, to argue and debate with The Palmer Woods Board met with officers from the Detroit Police Department. dignity and respect...to communicate, to about their neighbors and regularly began In short, Palmer Woods is alive. It is listen some more, and to be heard. reporting everything they saw, not just politically active, it is vibrant, it is passion- Since this spark occurred, many things what affected their home in particular. ate, and it is fun. have changed for the better in our beloved 6. People opened up their windows For the first time, an over flow of vol- Palmer Woods: and pulled back their shades and paid unteers are requesting to compete for four 1. All the great ideas and opinions from more attention to their surroundings. seats on the PW Association Board. A new the Forum were documented, evaluated 7. The Police Department recognized committee is being formed to fight the and considered by the Association. the information being gathered, used it, City of Detroit over unfair property taxes 2. The best ideas were put into action, and created a task force to help with crime and assessments. Another committee has immediately. in all the neighborhoods immediate to us. been created with members of Sherwood 3. A Traffic Closure Committee was cre- This effort is still in effect today, and will Forest, University District and the Golf ated to combine all ideas brought forth continue for the foreseeable future. Course communities to find a new direc- and develop an inclusive plan of attack 8. Dozens of neighbors volunteered tion in regards to the security patrol we (see page 7 for an update). their time and energy to help in any way pay for. There is power in numbers, and 4. An email list of 185 people was cre- that was needed. the numbers are joining together to help in ated and regular security updates began 9. People began talking in the commu- the effort to improve our city. through email, with crimes and suspicious nity, sharing ideas and thoughts as to how Be proud Palmer Woods. You are work- behavior reported to all, in real time. we can better our homes, our lives and our ing as a team. You are making a difference. 5. People became more concerned environment. You are investing in each other. Report every crime Steps to follow for an • 911 for emergency response EMERGENCY CALL 911 • Securitas (Palmer Woods private • If no car within 5-10 minutes: security patrol): 313-819-7100 • Call Brian Johnson (313) 598-6198 • If need be: Call Rochelle Lento (313) 727-9925 Officer Arthur Eaddy (Friday-Monday) • If need be: Call Stephen Williams (313) 613-4178 Officer Darryl Armstrong (Tuesday-Friday) • If need be: Call Gerry Primak (313) 368-5898 • PW security liaison Brian “I See Something Suspicious”: Johnson: 313-598-6198 or • Email the details to [email protected] or call Brian (313) 598-6198 [email protected] • That information will be forwarded to Sargent Orth asap Fax: (866) 572-1851 • If during the evening hours, call Palmer Woods Security. • If grows to real alarm? Call 911 and follow above steps.

Palmer Woods Post 6 February~April 2008 Should we limit access to our community? How would closing entrances and exits in Palmer Woods impact our neighborhood? Implementing a Test Plan, with city approval, will help all of us evaluate several alternatives

ollowing our Neighborhood Open Forum this past September 25, the FPalmer Woods Association (PWA) Boarrd evaluated several proposals to limit access to the neighborhood. Taking into consideration feedback from and after the Forum, the PWA Board decided to test multiple alternative closure options, so that the community would have better information and personal ex- perience before making a decision to ac- cept or reject the concept of limiting ac- cess. Important concerns would be evaluated during the test period, such as: • potential neighborhood traffic congestion • impact on provision of City services • impact on control of crime • overall inconvenience to residents If approved by the City, the first step will be to collect baseline data. We will measure the and their visitors. number of vehicles per hour passing in and out of each of the neighborhood’s eight A comprehensive Test Plan was devel- entrances and exits. In subsequent phases, we will measure changes in traffic volume under each partial closure alternative, as well as collect community feedback. oped by a task force (the Traffic Closure Committee) consisting of two Board mem- bers, Brian Johnson and Craig Vanderburg, asked home owners to vote for or against votes is running 22 to one. plus two concerned residents, Joel Pitcoff the proposal to proceed with the tests. Our We had hoped to complete compilation and Chris Cardine. At its November meet- goal is to maximize participation in our of homeowner votes by the time you ing, the PWA Board approved this Test neighborhood canvass and thus assure receive this status report and to present Plan. the results at another meeting with Detroit In December, a written request summa- We have received 204 votes Public Works, scheduled for February 19. rizing the Test Plan proposal was submit- thus far, with three out of However, many of the remaining residents ted to the City of Detroit’s Department of four occupied homes who still haven’t voted don’t have listed Public Works (DPW). phone numbers. Therefore, due to the The DPW responded to the letter at a participating. combination of the recent snow storms January meeting with the two PWA Board • 195 support the Test and the widespread incidence of flu, our members on the Traffic Closure Commit- • Only nine are opposed volunteers weren’t able to re-contact all of tee, Brian Johnson and Craig Vanderburg. • That’s 96 percent those neighbors via door-to-door visits in The representatives of DPW had no sub- approval for the test advance of the February 19 DPW meeting. stantive objections to the test plan. Our follow-up efforts will continue and The City did request, however, that the compliance with the City’s documentation the updated status of the canvass will be PWA Board provide documentation to request. provided to DPW as we progress. demonstrate that a vast majority of the In this connection, a team of volunteers The outcome of the recent DPW meet- Palmer Woods community had knowledge has been re-contacting those homeowners ing, as well as our next steps, will be com- of the Test Plan proposal and supported it. who have yet to submit their vote. Thus municated at the Annual Meeting of the Via email and a follow-up letter, the far, the vast majority of respondents have Palmer Woods Association on March 11. Traffic Closure Committee communicated endorsed moving forward with the Test Palmer Woods Association Board & the Test Plan to the neighborhood and Plan. The cumulative ratio of Yes to No Traffic Closure Committee Palmer Woods Post 7 February~April 2008 5 5 A MARY KAY Skin Care Class is more fun than a cosmetic counter ማሜምሞ Call for an appointment Plastering Contractors JOHNNIE L. HUNTER Specializing in Ornamental Plaster Restoration Your Palmer Woods Neighbor Servicing Detroit’s premier neighborhoods for 22 Years Independent Beauty Consultant General Plastering • Coves & Cornices (313) 368-4682 • (313) 550-1641 Cell Decorative/Ornamental Plaster • Custom Molding and Casting (313) 872-0436 Fax Authentic Plaster Textures • Acoustic Spray Textures Fire & Water Damage • Exterior Cement Stucco [email protected] Custom Interior & Exterior Painting www.marykay.com/jhunter822 Contact Andrea McClintock for a free estimate 313~863~6319 VISA • MASTERCARD • AMERICAN EXPRESS Area references available upon request • Member of the Better Business Bureau Free Facial! 5 5

If you want to live in an historic home, in a historic neighborhood… You deserve a historian to service your real estate needs. Caldwell Banker Schweitzer takes great pleasure in recommending Stephen Williams to service your real estate needs. Stephen’s passion for historic real estate and his academic training in history create a rare blend of appreciation and expertise. For several years Stephen has worked on researching, archiving, preserving, and celebrating historical property. When you add up all of his qualifications, you have a very special real estate professional for your historic home. Paul Schweitzer President, Caldwell Banker Schweitzer Stephen Williams, Ph.D Your Historic Property Resource (248) 988-2255 office Member: National Trust for Historic Preservation (313) 613-4178 voice mail Coalition for Historic Neighborhoods (Board) [email protected] Preservation Wayne Call me, I’m your neighbor and Palmer Woods History Bureau (Chair) I want to be your realtor.

Palmer Woods Post 8 February~April 2008 NEZ Neighborhood Enterprise Zone: Did it really reduce taxes? How it can impact your property tax and where we go from here. BY JEFF HINES level are way out of range when compared taxes have become a deterrent to potential almer Woods residents who pur- to our surrounding suburban communities. home buyers interested in living in Palmer chased their homes in 1998 or after Accordingly, sticker prices on homes are Woods. Pare eligible to receive a Neighbor- being forced downward to attract buyers. • Comprehensive review of State Equal- hood Enterprise Zone (NEZ) abatement. In order to qualify for the NEZ property ize Values and Tax Assessment Values of However, many neighbors who fol- tax abatement, eligible residents must homes. Many residents believe that assess- lowed the appropriate red tape to receive complete an NEZ application. Applica- ment values do not accurately reflect the their abatement are sorely disappointed, as tions are available at the City of Detroit As- current market value of the homes in our are the Palmer Woods neighbors who sessors Office located in Room 824, Cole- area. worked diligently with government offi- man A. Young Municipal Center (hours of • Development of a property tax appeal cials to help set up the NEZ. The primary operation: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m). Home- strategy. reason for disappointment is that actual owners who apply for NEZ and are ap- • Recommend solutions to Detroit As- property tax reductions resulting from the proved will notice several changes to their sessor Office. NEZ abatement are no where near original tax bill: Many neighbors were alarmed to see estimates and projections. • Residents will receive two tax bills. their 2008 tax assessments increase while In fact, City of Detroit administration NEZ tax bills separate property taxes cal- the market value of their homes are declin- officials represented during development culated on the land from calculations on ing. Those who filed an appeal before the of the NEZ proposal that eligible home- the structure (home). February 15 deadline will have an oppor- owners would receive up to a 35 percent • Property tax on land does not change tunity to further follow the appeal process. reduction in property tax. The reduction, as a result of NEZ qualification. Property The Palmer Woods Property Tax Commit- however, is somewhere in the area of 13 tax on the structure, however, is reduced tee will help develop strategies to assist percent of Detroit property taxes on the 13 mills from 75 mills to 62 mills. The re- those who have questions. structure (home) and approximately 10 duction in mills will reduce the Detroit Additional information will be pre- percent when considering total Detroit portion of property taxes approximately sented at the Annual Meeting on March 11 property taxes on home and land, plus 13 percent. As an example, if the Detroit (see page 3), and the Property Tax Com- Wayne County property taxes. portion of your property tax bill was mittee will be introduced. The lower than expected tax cut has a $10,000 per year, with the NEZ abate- Much more to come on this subject in significant impact on Palmer Woods resi- ment, the resultant bill would be $8,700. future issues of the Post. dents. Because property taxes in Palmer Property taxes on your land and Wayne Woods are still relatively higher in our County taxes are not reduced by the NEZ area, it is one factor causing the market abatement. BULK TRASH values of homes in Palmer Woods to have A new Property Tax Committee is pickup dates declined considerably. Potential buyers are being formed to evaluate NEZ as it relates shocked at the notion of paying a $20,000 to Palmer Woods; it will also address other Tuesday, April 1 plus annual tax bill, even after considering related tax issues including the following: the NEZ abatement. Property taxes at this • The extent to which high property Tuesday, July 1 Tuesday, Sept. 30 Advertise in the Post Yard Waste Collection Deadline for May-July 2008 issue:April 15, 2008 DPW will pick up leaves, grass clip- Prices & Dimensions Mail your ad (include hard copy, pings and twigs on the same day as Full (7.5 x 10 tall) ...... $135 logos/photos to scan and CD). our weekly trash collection (Thurs- Half (7.5 x 4.825)...... $85 Include a check made payable to day) May through the first week of Quarter (3.625 x 4.825) ...... $50 Palmer Woods Association and send Dec. if it is placed in biodegradable Business card size ...... $30 to: PAPER yard bags or loose inside your Email your ad to: Barbara Barefield personal plastic or metal container. [email protected] Editor, Palmer Woods Post Grayscale, high resolution PDF or tif 19550 Argyle Crescent Bulk Drop-Off (300 dpi at 100% size of ad, or 600 dpi Detroit, MI 48203 Tues.-Sat., 8:30am-4pm; closed noon- for black and white line art). Need help? We can design your 1pm; April-Oct. open until 7:30pm; Call: Barbara, 313-891-2514 ad at no additional fee! ‘State Fair yard, 19715 John R

Palmer Woods Post 9 February~April 2008 Urban Living Redefined maxbroockdetroit.com

Austin Black II

[email protected] 313.550.2307

Palmer Woods Post 10 February~April 2008 Palmer Woods Association with support from Creative Arts Collective, B&D Garden Design, Be Well Medical Center, Goodwill Printing, Collection & WDET 101.9 FM Invites you to the Palmer Woods d Spring Dinner Dance~Concert Featuring three of Detroit’s Grammy-Nominated Jazz Divas STRAIGHT AHEAD TRIO Alina Morr (piano), Marion Hayden (bass), Gayelynn McKinney (drums) Saturday, April 26, 2008 d 6pm Historic Detroit Golf Club 17911 Hamilton Road, Detroit • Clubhouse designed by famed architect Albert Kahn Dinner d Dancing d Fashion Show d Photo Shoot d Children’s Party

Full Dinner Buffet Savor jazz while you dine and Live Music dance ’til you drop at the annual Valet Parking Palmer Woods Dinner Dance. The Detroit Golf Club will be Souvenir Photos electrified with the exciting Cocktail Attire sounds of Detroit’s Straight Ahead Cash Bar Trio. Childrens’ Pizza The trio is part of the larger Party supervised in all-female jazz group widely rec- adjacent room with ognized for their eclectic and age-appropriate movies soulful approach to creating and activities music, ranging from mainstream jazz, R&B ballads, and avant- TICKETS garde to Brazilian funk. $55 per person Straight Ahead recorded their (includes Valet Parking) first album for Atlantic Jazz in $15 per child 1990, which made the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart Top 20. Tickets must be purchased in advance. In 1995, their third album re- ceived rave reviews, including Branford Marsalis who called the group “a monster outfit that truly Palmer Woods swings!” The ensemble has performed extensively in the U.S., the Caribbean and Europe at the Montreaux-Switzerland Jazz Fes- b tival, the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Olympics and BET on Jazz. This event is produced by Music in Homes the Creative Arts Collective as part of the Palmer Woods Purchase tickets online at Music in Homes concert series. For tickets to the concerts, www.palmerwoods.org call 313-920-4864 or visit or call Ruth Stallworth, 313-892-3848 www.palmerwoods.org. Palmer Woods Post 11 February~April 2008 Palmer Woods MUSIC b in PalmerHOMES Woods Palmer Woods concerts spread spirit, great music Music in Homes and success in our neighborhood homes!

Eyes absorbed stained glass, sculpted ceilings and carved wood, but the focus shifted to the passionate sounds and charismatic musicians who shared history, culture and amazing talent. Our new concert series opened the doors to Detroit’s world-class artists and audiences to glow in the warmth and splendor of Palmer Woods friendship. P h o t o s : B a r b a r a

B a r e f i e l d Our holiday celebration featured Shahida Nurullah with Mardi Gras time with clarinetist Charlie Gabriel, bassist Spencer Barefield on guitar and Donald Mayberry on bass. Marion Hayden and pianist Taslimah Bey. Above:Young guests.

he Palmer Woods Music in Homes warm spirits, and the fiery sounds of Palmer Woods in the home of Helene concert series has received rave re- songstress Shahida Nurullah with bassist White. Adorned with feathered masks, lay- Tviews from sell-out crowds. The hol- Don Mayberry and guitarist Spencer Bare- ers of beads laced on lights and , iday concert on December 22 was held in field. Following three fleeting, memorable the home welcomed another sell-out crowd the magnificent home of Geralda and Ed hours, the audience reluctantly left with ra- who swayed to the music of Bourbon Street Sellers, whose hospitality was matched by diant smiles and full tummies, nurished by transposed to Balmoral. Charlie Gabriel the meticulous care they endow upon the the blues, jazz and and delicious food. carries the torch (clarinet and saxophone) architectural treasure they lovingly dwell in. One down, five more concerts to go! of four generations of famed New Orleans Their home was aglow with candles, January raced by and Mardi Gras came to musicians. With cousin and writer Larry

Palmer Woods Post 12 February~April 2008 Don’t miss your chance Dance, feast & party Saturday, April 26, 6pm Straight Ahead Trio at the historic Albert Kahn- designed Detroit Golf Club In late 1916, the Detroit Golf Club’s board authorized an expenditure of $375,000 to build and furnish a new clubhouse. The following year construc- tion began. Unfortunately, the expansion of World War I interfered with the proj- ect. Although wartime problems ham- pered construction, the clubhouse was ballroom and dining hall are comple- roof. Additionally, the clubhouse is aglow completed in May 1918. Designed by ar- mented by intimate areas inside and out. with light marble floors, extensive use of chitectural giant Albert Kahn, the build- An inner courtyard and fountain greet wood on the floors and walls, large panes ing is a treasured 77,000-square-feet you at the front lobby, and to the left a of beveled mirrors, a multitude of diverse landmark. cozy paneled library, complete with fire- chandeliers and hanging light fixtures, Irreplaceable best describes the De- place and welcoming seating, provides a numerous fireplaces, and a variety of troit Golf Club’s rambling Old-English comfortable spot to wait for guests. carved moldings and beams on the high style clubhouse with its sweeping wings, Fine and distinctive materials, com- ceilings. Graceful hallways, often walled wide corridors, pervasive floor to ceiling bined with superb craftsmanship, char- with windows, lead from conference multi-paned windows and doors, ter- acterize the building, which includes room, to dining spaces, to the bar, to ad- races and patios. The expansive grand Kahn’s trademark: a magnificent red-tiled ditional rooms for business and pleasure. Read more on page 11

Please support our SPONSORS: B&D Garden Design Detroit bdgardendesign.com • 313-368-8890 Be Well Medical Center Berkley Dr. Paul Benson doctorbewell.com • 248-544-9300 Creative Arts Collective P h

o spencerbarefield.com • 313-891-2514 t o s : B

a Goodwill Printing Ferndale r b a

r goodwillprinting.com • 248-547-7500 a

B a r e Grosse Pointe Collection f i e l d Grosse Pointe Woods A global Odyssey with Ted Voudouris, Peter Psarianos and Dylan McKee. 313-884-2700 Gabriel and pianist Taslimah Bey, Charlie Greek Oriental Rembetiko, an urban pop- WDET 101.9FM shared the history and traditions through ular music originating in the Asia Minor Detroit’s NPR station • wdet.org music, march, and stories. region, which is today part of Turkey. Peter described the different musical Saturday, Feb.23, 8pm styles between each song. The old “Café Peter Psarianos & Odyssey Aman” style was more proper, played on Peter Psarianos & Odyssey, featuring the classic instruments, using classic reper- Peter on oud and lauoto, Ted Voudouris on toire from the Ottoman Art music com- violin and vocals and Dylan McKee on per- posers, who were usually of Armenian or cussion, transported an appreciative audi- Greek descent. This period prevailed ence on a journey to Asia Minor Greece in throughout the 18th and 19th Centuries. the home of Linda and Chris Cardine. The more modern “Piraeus” style Our world music concert included Continued on page 15 Palmer Woods Post 13 February~April 2008 Roofing & Gutters Featuring beautiful Owens Corning dimensional shingles

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Palmer Woods Post 14 February~April 2008 Music Itzhak Perlman. Kudos Continued from page 13 w from on Partner to many distinguished ho host e of the h ed a conc omeown evolved from the refugee musicians who musicians, pianist Michelle “I wish I ert: ers could ha came to the port cities of the Greek main- Cooker has performed on con- I receive ve passed d Saturd all the t land, most of whom were expelled from cert series and participated in the ho ay night hank you use was m on to all s Asia Minor during the Greco-Turkish festivals throughout the U.S., still am agically of you… azed at transform wars. Not especially liked by the native Canada and Mexico. She has …ho how deli ed…I am w clean m cious the appeared on PBS and has per- wer y kitche food wa mainlanders, they lived in the squalid e when e n and di s and veryone w ning room slums of the waterfronts, where the music formed in programs broadcast authent as gone. ma ic music… …the up was played in the abundant ‘Hash-joints’ live for WFMT-Radio in ny of us The bot lifting th bought o tom line and brothels. Often this music has been Chicago and CBC in Canada. e neighbo ur houses is w rhood an out of lo compared to American Blues because of Michelle teaches piano at e would d also w ve for b be able to ith the ho the lifestyles and social conditions that in- Ann Arbor’s Kerrytown ring peop host eve pe that c le of goo nts that w spired the music. In the 1930s and 1970s, Concert House. ommunit dwill into ould i y. I want our hom this music was legally repressed by the ng me th to thank es and at opport all of you Sat., April 26, 6pm home, m unity, and for giv- Greek government because of the lyrical e and our for mak Straight Ahead Trio hood and Palmer W ing my content and its popularity with what had commun oods ne Invite your friends, ity look ighbor- become the Greek Underworld. so good.” family, neighbors and business as- Sat., March 15, 8pm sociates to the annual Palmer Woods Din- Jannina Barefield Duo ner Dance. The Detroit Golf Club will Detroit and Scandinavian Celebrate spring with a classical concert swing with the exciting sounds of Detroit’s Symphony Orchestras. Don can be heard featuring NY violinist Jannina Barefield, “Grammy-Nominated Jazz Divas.” Read on numerous CDs. who grew up in Palmer Woods. Jannina about Straight Ahead on page 11, and on Guitarist A. Spencer Barefield has has soloed with the Detroit Symphony page 13 for a preview of the venue. performed internationally with his own Orchestra, Birmingham-Bloomfield Sym- ensembles and with jazz luminaries such phony and performed at Carnegie Hall Sat., May 24, 8pm as Lester Bowie, Roscoe Mitchell, with Stella Trio and the Sphinx Chamber A. Spencer Barefield & Oliver Lake, Richard Davis and many oth- Orchestra. She has also performed in Italy, Donald Mayberry ers. He is the Artistic Director of the Cre- Germany, Canada and Venezuela. Don’t miss the finale: our jazz and clas- ative Arts Collective (CAC), a non-profit While in her teens, she spent three sical concert featuring a virtuoso duo and organization dedicated to the presentation, years in the Perlman Program’s youth en- hypnotic sounds from Monk to Debussy preservation and creation of jazz and other semble, performing at Lincoln Center, on guitar and bass. artistic expressions since 1978. CAC was a Carnegie Hall and in Israel with Maestro Bassist Donald Mayberry began his ca- recipient of the Governors Arts Award for reer at age of 13 with most valuable arts organization in the jazz harpist Dorothy state, and presented a 13-year concert se- Tickets Ashby. He later per- ries at the Detroit Institute of Arts. Several In advance: $25 each formed internationally concerts from the Creative Music at the Dinner Dance and Concert at the Detroit Golf Club: $55 with David Bowie, Lena DIA series will soon be released on CD. (children’s supervised Pizza Party at the Detroit Golf Club: $15) Horne, Dizzy Gillespie, Spencer can be heard on many CDs and 313-920-4864 b www.palmerwoods.org Art Blakey and the Jazz has received numerous awards for Order tickets and pay online Messengers and many composition and performance. Limited seating; early ticket purchase advised others. Also a highly re- Creative Arts Collective has produced the Directions to homes will be mailed with tickets spected classical bassist, Palmer Woods Music in Homes concert series he has played with the for the Palmer Woods Association.

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BY BARBARA BAREFIELD the Detroit Police Department, kept an eye A devastating fire he mysterious mansion which con- on the home, hoping it would be sold and Fourteen years ago, on a wintry Sunday sumes the corner of Balmoral, protected before irreversible damage could evening, January 2, 1994, I stood on the TWellesley and Lowell has been the be inflicted. curb across from 1791 Wellesley as flames source of whispers and speculations for Originally built in 1922 for the Van- licked the sky and curled through walls years. Overgrown with vines, trees and Dusen family, details of the glory of the and the slate roof of the 23,000-square- other dead and straggling vegetation, the home spread. It was built by famed archi- foot Fisher mansion. New owners Charles camouflaged home was referred to by tect Richard Marr, who also designed the and Peggy Harrell had purchased the many as the “haunted house.” Rumor in- irreplaceable Prentis home a few doors home for $300,000 and were renovating cluded tales of a reclusive, solitary woman down at 1905 Balmoral, and the two the home when a propane heater used to who lived at 1830 Balmoral for decades. Fisher mansions on Balmoral and Welles- keep the pipes from freezing in the base- Few had been in the home for many years. ley. Only one Fisher mansion remains— ment may have exploded. The Harrells This summer, while my husband and I the “twin” was bulldozed after a fire left it claimed it was their dream home, but after walked our dog, we observed an unfamil- iar pickup truck in the home’s driveway. This was a period of alert in the neighbor- hood as tens of thousands of dollars of copper gutters, plumbing and sculptures were disappearing. We decided to investi- gate, cell phone in hand ready to dial 911. We entered the hidden driveway on Lowell and snuck up on the back of the home to see two men with the truck. We asked for the homeowner, and they called to her. As we introduced ourselves as her neighbors, we explained our concern for her safety and security because of the in- P h o t

creased crime. She assured us she was fine. o : B a

But fine she was not. A respected psy- r b a r a

chiatrist, she and her husband, also a doc- B a r e

tor, raised their son in the home. Her hus- f i e l band died years ago, her grown son left, d and she lived an increasingly isolated life. On January 2, 1994, the Fisher Mansion at 1791 Wellesley burned, leading to its final A few months following our encounter demolition the following year. Many believe that the home was sacrificed because selling the valuable architectural artifacts was more expedient and profitable than renovation at her dwelling, it was claimed to the fate or selling to an new owner. of some one in five Detroit homes. Fore- closure proceedings and eviction fol- swirling in controversy to determine more than a year, they decided the devas- lowed—all the doctor’s furniture and pos- whether it could be restored. More than a tation was not worth the price of restora- sessions were crassly thrown into several year later, demolition following extensive tion. Despite the efforts of a number of dumpters situated around the property. stripping won out. hopeful purchasers, including Kenan As the home was emptied and pad- Curiosity about the VanDusen mansion Bakirci, one of our Palmer Woods neigh- locked, the doctor’s son, with a team of rose among neighbors and those interested bors, the home was razed and everything neighbors, worked round the clock to save in architectural history. Descriptions of a which could be sold was removed. the more precious items to place in stor- third-floor ballroom, Pewabic tile and According to the : age, and to help clean up the remaining valuable handcrafted lighting and chande- “Since a fire…DuMouchelle Art Galleries possessions and debris. Soon thereafter, liers spread. If vandals did not break in to Co. has been removing all remaining valu- the doctor tragically passed away. steal these treasures, would a new owner ables—from the fireplaces to sculptural follow in the footsteps of reprehensible stones and even the iron fence. The fix- A neglected treasure profit-seekers who strip and sell a home’s tures join others that DuMouchelle has As the future of this approximated gems and antiques, and administer super- been holding since 1991, when they were 8,000-square-foot, neglected home sat in ficial repair without regard to architectural consigned there by the previous owner, a limbo, the fear of vandalism hung in the integrity and quality? Would it be tossed notorious Detroit house stripper, Willie air. Neighbors and the Palmer Woods pri- from owner to owner, each looking for the Ozier.” vate security patrol, Securitas, as well as fast profit? A court order, filed by Palmer Woods Palmer Woods Post 16 February~April 2008 P h o t o s : B a r b a r a

B a r e f i e l d

Above: New owner Kenan Bakirci stands in front of 1830 Balmoral, while a crew cuts and removes overgrown trees and dead vegetation to reveal the stately home. Right: Rooms and details from the home, which include a ballroom and billiard room on the third floor; on the second floor there are seven bedrooms; there are five full and four half baths and four fireplaces in the main house.There is also a two-bedroom carriage house/garage. neighbors, including attorneys Michael Einheuser and Mary Ann Helveston, had stopped the sale of those fixtures and Ozier lost the house in foreclosure. The sunroom, above and ballroom, The remains of 1791 Balmoral now lay below. under a grave of grass and weeds, with the salvaged treasures spread to undisclosed locations. “It was a tragedy,” states Realtor Kenan Bakirci. “I was not alone in attempting to artisans purchase the home. It could have been which is irre- and should have been restored.” placeable and the ar- The memory of the debacle still haunts chitecture is price- Bakirci, who is devoted to preserving and less,” explains Kenan. renovating old homes. He sells homes in He knew that he Detroit’s historic districts and owns a had to make sure that home in Indian Village, and now two whoever purchased homes in Palmer Woods—Kenan and his the mansion had to wife Angie have just purchased the respect the history “haunted house.” and craftsmanship and be devoted to could sell my other homes [1541 Balmoral “When 1830 Balmoral was foreclosed, I maintaining and restoring the home with in Palmer Woods and 1089 Iroquois in In- could not bear the thought of it falling into integrity and artistry. And then he decided dian Village],” Kenan states, although the the hands of greed and ignorance. These he had to buy it. home needs a great deal of work to repair grand homes contain the art and labor of “I am ready to move into it today, if I Continued on page 19 Palmer Woods Post 17 February~April 2008 PRESERVING & PROMOTING Our Neighborhood’s Rich History KENAN & ANGIE Detroit’s Premier Resident Realtor Team Another beauty:1089 Iroquois Indian Village’s most opulent offering, this century old designed three-story Romanesque masterpiece has been painstakingly restored. Louis XV & XVI, Edwardian and Arts & Crafts styles through- out the gracious public rooms. Lavish bedroom suites and an amazing new “fun” room. Six fireplaces, new roof, plumbing and electricity. Huge 2-3 bedroom carriage house apartment over the 5-6 car garage. 4 Remember to contact & refer Kenan & Angie for their expertise in Detroit-area Real Estate. Angie & Kenan at 1541 Balmoral in Palmer Woods, which is for sale. 248-988-2212 • [email protected] • www.AskMeAboutDetroit.com

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Palmer Woods Post 18 February~April 2008 Two Mansions owner claims he cannot afford to finish the Continued from page 17 renovations and the financing bank may water damage which has caused rotting not want to be left with the prospect of wood and plaster to crumble, peel and tens of thousands in back taxes, hundreds crack from ceilings and walls. The house of thousands needed to rebuild the home, also needs extensive cleaning and updat- and the additional loss of hundreds of ing, but it is extremely well-constructed thousands which will not be paid back if homes which may have been unaffordable and repairable. the home is foreclosed. previously. However, the taxes are often There is new hope on Balmoral. The The adjacent home at 1884 Balmoral, a excessive and the costs to repair and main- Bakircis are committed to restoring their lovely, sprawling brick structure, has also tain the homes are high. new home to its original glory. fallen victim to years of neglect. It is now The challenge remains to attract hon- However, several other homes on the in foreclosure, however the bank has been est, responsible purchasers who under- block are still in a questionable state. The making efforts to clean and secure the stand the importance of protecting and home next to it at 1860 Balmoral, where home. Hopefully it will be sold to respon- preserving the architectural treasures in former Governor George Romney and his sible owners. our neighborhood. To those people, we family lived in the late 1940s and early At this time, Detroit leads the nation in issue a hearty welcome, a sincere thank 50s, has been largely gutted and left to foreclosed homes. For Palmer Woods, it you, and an invitation to please join us in ruin with a skeleton roof. The most recent presents an opportunity to purchase our urban renaissance.

The Clipper Mansion A desolate field with overgrown trees now fills the space which once hosted a Palmer Woods palace at 1791 Wellesley. The home was one of six showcased on the first Palmer Woods Homes Tour in 1990. The following de- scription of the home, written by for- mer neighbors Henry and Maureen Petrucci, is reprinted from our Home Tour program book. It now seems to be a fitting eulogy: In 1925 William A. Fisher, then President of Corporation P h o

and Vice President of General Motors, t o s : B

constructed this palatial mansion in the a r b a

heart of Detroit’s exclusive Palmer r a

B a

Woods. Built at the same time as the fa- r e f i e l mous New Center landmark which d bears his family name, the Fisher Build- ing, this magnificent home was know as with rococo carved alabaster to create a delicately carved portrait of Mrs. the Clipper Estate due to the motif of many ornate and unique fireplaces. Fisher, while elsewhere are carved de- the clipper ship repeated throughout its Chandeliers were specially commis- tails and flourishes. 48 rooms. sioned from Irish Waterford crystal and The breakfast room is floored in Constructed at great expense from the famous artisans of Fabergé. Light pewabic tile and bordered in colorful red brick with limestone trim, this im- sparkles from bountiful fixtures of crys- Portuguese majolica. The main dining posing house features a multi-hued slate tal, silver, gilt, pewter and ornate brass. hall is a visual feast of magnificent roof. Within and without, the Clipper Music once filled this American cas- carved Michigan walnut, sent to Italy to Estate reflects the lost era of opulence in tle from the greta room’s powerful pipe be crafted and returned for installation. the consistent use of superior crafts- organ whose pipes reach throughout the This fantastic room was once host to manship and materials. The central length of the house. elegant parties where guests, provided gable and flanking bays contain antique The intricate ceilings were sculpted with silver spoons, searched sand filled stained glass windows brought from Eu- and hand painted by , centerpieces for precious stones to be ropean castles. the foremost architectural sculptor of taken home as the evening’s favor. The grand foyer is a dazzling delight Detroit in the 1920s. Woods were im- A stunning symbol of Detroit’s glam- of many different types of marbles with ported for carving by the master Old orous era of industrial wealth, the Clip- gilt and brass appointments in the Ital- World craftsman whose labors created per Estate, designed by Richard Marr, ian style. Marble is used freely as floor- this residential work of art. Rendered in stands as a timeless reminder of superior ing throughout the home and combined the fine wood above the Library door is taste, craftsmanship and quality.

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Palmer Woods Post 20 February~April 2008 Planting paradise While the ground is frozen, landscape designers dream about their garden while they scrub, sand, paint and polish their new Palmer Woods home

BY BARBARA BAREFIELD Boston-Edison area of Detroit. “Until eight years ago, I had no idea The 3,500-square-foot house where Palmer Woods was,” recalls Brian looked like it belonged to the Rankel about discovering our neighbor- Adam’s Family, Dan remembers. hood, “and then, wow!” Overgrown trees had rubbed Since that time, B&D Garden Design clay tiles off the roof, and frozen partners, Dan Jones and Brian, have pipes and lack of heat had learned a great deal about Palmer Woods caused massive damage. The …and its flowers, trees, plants and renovation extended into a wildlife. In fact, they have designed and seven-year labor of love, which nurtured some of our neighborhood’s most helped Dan prepare for his next beautiful, peaceful and splendid gardens. urban renewal challenge, a 1926 Butterflies and hummingbirds must adore tudor in Ferndale. He painstak- them, as do the homeowners who have ingly restored both homes, but benefited from their green thumbs. his dream had always been to This spring, they hope to begin work live in Palmer Woods. on their own Palmer Woods garden. While As Dan and Brian worked they wait for the ground to soften, they are their magic designing landscapes meticulously restoring their new home, in Palmer Woods and in other stripping, sanding and refinishing all the urban and suburban locations, wood floors, stairways, banisters, walls they searched Palmer Woods for and details. On the coldest of days, the windows are often open with a fan blowing out fumes from paint, varnish and other chemicals. “I love restoring homes and re- specting the original character of the home,” Dan explains, and he has the credentials to transform their 4,700-square-foot Italian Re- naissance-style home. A step away from being con- demned, the first home Dan res- cued was a monstrosity in the

Quick tips from Brian to make your garden look better • Put a fresh edge on your beds. • Transplant or remove dead or If you don’t have edging around your dying plants. One sick plant can bring Top:Dan Jones, left, and Brian Rankel flower and landscape beds, edging your your entire landscape down with it. By lean on the cherry banister they beds so that they have a nice, clean edge transplanting it to a less conspicuous stripped and sanded to reveal its origi- is one of the best ways to give your gar- area or adding it to the compost pile, nal surface. Above left and right: den a quick pick-me-up. This is usually you will improve the look of your gar- Gardens designed by Brian and Dan. accomplished using a sharp, flat-edged den. If you really want the same type of a home they could renovate and afford. shovel at close to a 90 degree angle to plant, replace it once; if the new one has This past fall, 19201 Strathcona was the ground. Try to leave a two-to-three- the same problem, try something else. foreclosed and placed on the market. After inch v-shaped trench along the edge of • Add a fresh layer of mulch. years of neglect, the abode, built in 1932, the bed so that grass will have a harder Fresh mulch is a great way to freshen up had served as a holding pen to numerous time growing back into the beds and the garden quickly; a two-inch layer pets who were not well trained, and the mulch will not blow out onto the lawn. Continued on page 23 carpeting and floors served as the reposi- Continued on page 23

Palmer Woods Post 21 February~April 2008 We Congratulate the Palmer Woods Association for its Outstanding Efforts Toward Community Betterments. “Reclaiming the Village—Strengthening the Family.”

806 E. Grand Blvd. 14751 W. McNichols Rd. (at Mack Ave.) (313) 923-1122 (East of Greenfield Rd.) (313) 272-9000 Detroit, Michigan 48207 Detroit, Michigan 48235

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Palmer Woods Post 22 February~April 2008 Close Lines Saturday, April 28 from the then head of De- Continued from page 24 9a.m. to 1p.m. Meet at troit Renaissance, de- the Belle Isle Casino to scribed it, ‘One of the craft the large wooden sign-in and receive as- great neighborhoods in heart on Helen’s house. signments. Free lunch America.’ ” One year, Helen organ- will be provided. Par- The Stratford Festival’s ized a Valentine gallery ticipants should dress website describes the crawl for children, with for the weather—wear play: “In this world craft projects at each boots and gloves as the première by the author stop, and she hopes to island is still cold and [Joanna McClelland recruit a team of “vol- damp. Some of the Glass] of the Tony- unteer cupids” to plan areas to be cleaned are nominated play Mem- a similar Palmer Woods in or near water. The ory, two professional activity for 2009. Al- city will provide equip- couples—one black, though Helen is not an ment, such as picks, the other white—be- artist, she wrapped rakes, bags, etc. If you come neighbours in four heart-shaped bring your own, please Detroit after the race forms with her father’s mark it clearly. This is riots of 1967. Together, neckties to create col- a great project for they and their other orful Valentine wreaths, Scouts, teen or school friends strive to main- and she’s anxious for groups. Many high tain the racial integra- others to craft such a school students partici- tion of their commu- simple keepsake. To pate to satisfy commu- nity and their children’s help organize a chil- nity service credit. school. But skin colour, dren’s Valentine activity Please call 313-331- they find, isn’t the only for next year, or if you 7760 to let Friends of on Burlington for many cal plays, is doing a thing that can drive have ties to recycle for Belle Isle know if it can years until moving to new play called Palmer people apart.” The play craft projects, contact count on your help! Ann Arbor about 7 Park about our old previews on August 8, Helen (368-0068 or years ago), shared a neighborhood after the with performances run- [email protected]). Stratford to special invitation: “This race riots…This brings ning from August 16- Spring clean-up premiere play on summer’s Stratford back happy memories September 21. For on Belle Isle Shakespeare Festival, of good friends and more information, go The annual Belle Isle Former neighbor Mau- amidst its many Shake- good times. As our online to the website Clean-Up will be held- rice Binkow (who lived speare and other classi- neighbor Bob McCabe, www.stratfordfestival.ca

Planting paradise and disintegrating padding were removed. ward planning the exterior, a three-quarter Continued from page 21 Since the wood had served as a sponge be- acre plot which gradually slopes with an tory. However, despite pink walls, pickled neath the carpeting, all the floors needed eight to ten-foot elevation in their back- wood, flooded basement, intense odors, extensive refinishing to remove the persist- yard, adjacent to Sherwood Forest. and other characteristics which could ent stains and smells. Guided by his mother as a child, Brian repel even the bravest, they felt they could The interior is a work in progress, but has been working in gardens all his life. A clean, repair and restore the home. Hey, it what Dan describes as the jewelry of the graduate of Michigan State University’s had an enormous lot, just perfect to create home—handcrafted antique doorknobs, horticulture program, his studies included the paradise of their dreams and serve as a valuable Oscar Bach Studios wall sconces, an emphasis on landscape design. showcase for their landscaping skills! art deco light fixtures and other details—is In creating exterior spaces, the tools are Apprehensive, but excited, Brian and a constant inspiration. numerous—from high tech to wheelbar- Dan moved into the house in October, but The attention to refurbishing and re- rows and rakes. Computer programs help not before room upon room of carpeting decorating the interior is now shifting to- to plan landscape sites, but the true meas- ure of quality depends on a sense of aes- Quick tips from Brian not the outdoor type, always keep a thetics, coupled with years of experience Continued from page 21 small bottle of Roundup or other vege- knowing which plants thrive in varying will usually do the trick and help sup- tation killer handy. It is an easy way to environments, as well as an eye for color, press weeds. If you already have some remove weeds from beds, walkways texture and variety. mulch down in your beds, you can and patios without having to get down Gardens are the canvas for the artistry top-dress with a thin coat to add color on your hands and knees to remove of Dan and Brian, and Palmer Woods is to the beds. them. Just remember that vegetation sure to become a more beautiful neighbor- • Keep your beds, patios and killer will kill any plant that you spray hood with the imaginative and skilled walks weeded—the eco-friendly it on, so do not use it to kill weeds in touch of our two master gardeners. way is to pull by hand. But if you are your lawn. For more information call 313-368- 8890 or visit www.bdgardendesign.com. Palmer Woods Post 23 February~April 2008 # < CLOSE LINES E 4 ) n d l e i f e r a B a r a b r a B : s o t o h P Desiree Cooper and Top:Celebrating Valentine’s Day with a heart- Elizabeth Atkins, shaped pizza held by Helen Love. Left to right, above, read from their Sherwood Forest friend Jasmine with PW novels and Spencer neighbor Aerin and her mom Barefield, right, per- Karla Morris (behind). formed at the Holiday Right: Friends, left to right, Salon. Don and Barbara Robinson, Donald Calloway and Brazeal Holiday Salon: Dennard enjoy good com- art defies snow! pany and Valentine’s goodies. The snow was a per- arts—from pottery, to skin-color bias within the holidays.” fect backdrop for a jazz, to literature. the African American “I am sure in warm gathering among As people gathered that community. years gone friends old and new afternoon, author De- “I couldn’t believe how by…before who made it to the siree Cooper was joined many people came out technology robbed available. Contact the Palmer Woods Holiday by her co-author Eliza- in six inches of snow,” many of us of our cre- Barefields for a private Salon on December 16. beth Atkins, to read said Cooper. “It was ativity, families sat showing at 313-891- Like the parlor events of from their recently pub- wonderful for Barbara around and read, sang, 2514. old, the pre-holiday lished anthology, “Other and Spencer Barefield to danced and had many revelers were treated to People’s Skin.” The fic- open their home. What merry experiences to- Love Inn a smorgasbord of the tional stories deal with a great way to kick off gether,” commented When PW neighbor neighbor Shelly Helen Love moved into Norman-Hill. her Palmer Woods Think Spring! The readings were home 14 years ago, she New neighbors couched by musi- started a tradition of Brian Rankel and cal interludes by Valentine gatherings, Dan Jones have jazz-notable A. sometimes just on spent the winter Spencer Barefield, Valentine’s Day, and sanding, strip- and ceramic art by sometimes for several ping, painting Spencer Barefield days leading up to Feb- and restoring the IV and his friend ruary 14. For her, the interior of their Jeremy Martin. joy has been in igniting Strathcona home, “It was a perform- the child-like spirit of but soon they will ance and a bou- Valentine’s Day for her be digging on the tique all in one,” grown-up friends, fill- outside. In the fu- said attendee Bar- ing the house with ture, their bara Patton. “A Valentine decorations grounds are sure wonderful after- and exhibiting the latest to rival other noon.” “Heart Art” of Detroit gorgeous Palmer If you missed the artist Donald Calloway. Woods landscapes designed over the past 6 years by their company B&D salon, it’s not too In fact, it was Calloway Garden Design. Black and white photos do not do their artistry justice, so late. Autographed who took a discarded enjoy the colors above, imagine the warmth, and then see more on page 21. books, CDs and piece of plywood to pottery are still Continued on page 23