Restore this historic library, yours for $135K

Located on Gratiot near Mack, this Louis Kamper-designed library branch needs the vision and cash to make it beautiful once more. It was up for sale a couple years ago for $75,000, then went through an interior fire. The last owner bought from the city last year for $35,000 and, such is real estate, it’s listing now for $135,000.

The building dates back to 1910 and has served as a library and a health clinic through Wayne County. It’s about 7,000 square feet over two stories, with an auditorium in the basement, reading rooms, and a club room. As you can see from the photos, it’s going to take a lot of work to bring it back to its grandeur.

The property is listed through James Tumey at the Loft Warehouse, who provided Curbed with a rendering of what it could be. It’s located about a mile outside of Eastern Market down Gratiot. There are two Open Houses this Wednesday and Thursday from 11-1 if you’d like to check it out yourself.

What do you think, Curbed readers? What might you do with this property?