Ep 16. Detroit: Rebuilding Motor City

This Old House, season 34, episode 16 takes viewers to Detroit, Michigan, a city that has been experiencing significant changes in the last few years. The episode is titled "Detroit: Rebuilding Motor City," and it showcases the efforts of the Detroit Land Bank Authority to transform abandoned homes into livable properties.

The episode begins with a tour of Detroit's East English Village neighborhood, where the city's blight elimination program has been active. Host Kevin O'Connor talks to Ken Cockrel Jr., who is the executive director of the land bank. He explains the initiative that involves turning thousands of vacant lots and homes into community spaces and housing.

The first property featured in the episode is a 1920s bungalow, which has been sitting vacant for the last 15 years. Kevin and the team of experts, including contractor Tom Silva, plumber Richard Trethewey, and electrician Scott Caron, meet with the property's designated developer, Alex Pereira, to discuss the renovations. Throughout the episode, Alex takes viewers on a guided tour of the home's features, including the original brick fireplace and hardwood floors that have been preserved. The team has to work around a tight budget, but they manage to stay on track with the renovations and discuss ways to make the property energy-efficient without sacrificing its historic charm.

Next, the episode follows another renovation project, this time a 1940s colonial house. The property has been on the market for several years because it requires significant work. The house has structural issues and water damage, but the team is optimistic about the potential of the property. Kevin and Tom examine the house's foundation and develop a plan to lift the house and install a new basement. They also repurpose some of the original materials to retain the historical charm of the colonial architecture.

Additionally, the episode features a visit with the Block Build Detroit program, which is dedicated to rehabilitating homes in specific neighborhoods. The hosts explain how different organizations are working together to bring an entire city back from the brink of ruin by renovating hundreds of homes, one property at a time.

Finally, the episode takes a trip to the Detroit Institute of Arts and showcases the city's wealth of culture and art. Kevin interviews Amada Harris, who is the director of community programs at the institute. She shares how the museum is working to create educational opportunities for the community, and how the art collection is an essential part of the city's rejuvenation.

The episode concludes by revisiting the bungalow and colonial house renovations, where viewers see the finished product. The team executes an outstanding job, highlighting how the renovations have improved the properties and the surrounding area. The episode is an inspiring reminder of how much can be accomplished with vision, hard work, and commitment.

In summary, This Old House, season 34, episode 16 does an incredible job of depicting the transformative work happening in Detroit. The episode showcases two renovation projects and how they benefit the city and its communities. It also features a glimpse of local art and culture and highlights how organizations are working together to rebuild a city from the ground up. The episode delivers an uplifting message about what can be achieved when people come together to make a difference.