Watch The Big House Reborn

The Big House Reborn is a compelling documentary series that tells the story of a remarkable rehabilitation project that saves a dilapidated mansion from destruction and transforming it into a luxury home and world-class venue. This ambitious project is led by a visionary real estate developer who believes in preserving historic structures and giving them new life.

Located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan, the historic Scottish Rite Masonic Temple, also known as the Masonic Temple, is the largest Masonic temple in the world. Built in 1922, the 14-story building was designed by renowned architect George D. Mason and served as the headquarters for the Scottish Rite Masons until the 1980s, when it fell into disrepair due to declining membership and financial distress.

During its heyday, the Masonic Temple was a center for culture and entertainment, hosting concerts, theatrical productions, and political rallies. The likes of Elvis Presley, The Rolling Stones, and Frank Sinatra filled its grand halls with music. However, by the early 21st century, the building was in serious disrepair, with water damage, crumbling plaster, and a leaky roof threatening its structural integrity.

In 2013, real estate developer John Hantz purchased the Masonic Temple with the intention of restoring it to its former glory. Dubbed the "Big House Reborn," the project aimed to transform the building into a world-class event venue and luxury residence, complete with a rooftop garden, a recording studio, a movie theater, and a ballroom.

The Big House Reborn follows the progress of this ambitious restoration project, from its earliest stages of planning to the building's grand reopening two years later. The series showcases the hard work of the architects, engineers, and construction crews who worked tirelessly to bring the Masonic Temple back to life.

Throughout the series, viewers witness the challenges faced by the Big House Reborn team, including unknown environmental hazards that threatened the safety of the workers, the monumental task of cleaning and repairing the deteriorated interior of the building, and meeting the tight deadlines to open the renovated Masonic Temple.

The show also reveals the incredible transformation of the building, taking viewers on a tour of the restored Masonic Temple's highlights, including the stunning ballroom, the restored theater, and the rooftop garden with breathtaking views of the Detroit skyline. The series also highlights the technological upgrades that made the Masonic Temple a state-of-the-art performance venue, such as the lighting and audio systems.

The Big House Reborn is not just a story of a building renovation, but it's also a story of the people who worked tirelessly to make this vision a reality. The series features several interviews with Hantz and his team, as well as with numerous community members who were thrilled to see this impressive building restored to its former glory.

Viewers will also learn about the building's storied history and its role in shaping Detroit's cultural landscape. The Masonic Temple was a hub of activity during the city's golden age, and its restoration represents a hope for the city's revitalization.

In summary, The Big House Reborn is an inspiring documentary series that showcases the power of vision and hard work in restoring one of America's grandest landmarks. With its stunning visuals and engaging interviews, the show offers a captivating glimpse into the history, present, and future of the Masonic Temple, and the rebirth of Detroit.

The Big House Reborn is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (6 episodes). The series first aired on January 1, 2015.