This Old House Hour Season 15 Episode 23 Detroit | A Mason Steps Up

In season 15 episode 23 of This Old House Hour, titled Detroit | A Mason Steps Up, the team visits Detroit to work on two projects. The first project involves a historic home in the West Village neighborhood that has been abandoned for 20 years. The team meets with a local developer who plans to renovate the home and turn it into a bed and breakfast.

The exterior of the home is in poor condition, with missing shingles and holes in the roof. The team begins by removing all of the old shingles and repairing the roof. They also repair the chimney and replace the gutters. Inside, they work on removing all of the old plaster and lath and installing new insulation. They also add new electrical and plumbing systems.

One of the major challenges the team faces is the foundation of the home, which has shifted and caused some of the floors to slope. To fix this, they install new support beams and jacks to level out the floors. They also work on repairing some of the original woodwork, including the staircase, which has been damaged over time.

The second project on the episode involves a community garden in Detroit's Brightmoor neighborhood. Local mason Rashid Muhammad has stepped up to lead the project, which will involve building a new pavilion for the garden. The team works with Rashid to build the pavilion using cinder blocks and a unique design that includes a curved roof. They also install a rainwater collection system to help irrigate the garden.

Throughout the episode, host Kevin O'Connor and general contractor Tom Silva talk about the importance of preserving historic homes and revitalizing communities. They also discuss the challenges facing Detroit, including a high crime rate and a struggling economy. The episode ends with Rashid reflecting on the importance of community involvement in projects like the community garden, and the positive impact it can have on a neighborhood.

Overall, Detroit | A Mason Steps Up is a heartwarming episode that showcases the importance of community involvement and the power of perseverance. The team works tirelessly to restore a historic home and build a new pavilion for a community garden, all while facing unique challenges along the way. The episode is a great example of the work that This Old House does to preserve historic homes and communities across the country.