Iconic House In Detroit Is Literally Sinking Into The Ground: How Owner Is Trying To Save It

A Detroit woman who purchased a home steeped in local history was shocked to realise a sinkhole is pulling the house to its eventual destruction.

Despite the bleak outlook for the 1917 Jefferson Palmers’ home, she is determined to ensure that it doesn’t sink. Her love for the house goes beyond just a nice place to live. Its cultural significance in the area is also important, she believes. It’s enough for her to put the plea out to save the sinking home.

Missold: When Kimberlt Holt paid for her property, the previous owner wasn’t exactly honest. They failed to mention that below the basement of the home were some serious water issues. Over time, after the sale, the building slowly started to be plagued by problems.

• A sinkhole has opened up beneath the house, threatening to pull the Detroit home into the depths. The subsidence has already caused serious structural issues. The cost is mounting every day it’s not repaired. Eventually, Holt fears, her home will sink so far into the ground that it won’t be recoverable, leaving a nasty mark behind.

Sinking History

But it’s not just about her losing her home. As Holt highlighted, the 1917 Detroit house is a part of local history. During the prohibition, the property was the location of one of the well-known speakeasies.

• The Detroit River, only a few miles from the sinking house, was rumored to be responsible for 75% of illegal alcohol imports. This made for a pretty popular speakeasy.

Made a Name: The house has a colorful history. It has been featured, in the past, on Mysteries of the Abandoned: Hidden America. Its significance for the area is recognised. It’s been used as a place for entertainment throughout the years, and is even credited with bringing Major League Hockey to the area.

But, without funding, the Detroit house will sink into the ground. Despite her legal battles, the previous seller has yet to be held financially accountable. She has had to resort to a GoFundMe to beg for the money to keep it standing.

Holt expects all the repairs to come to about $450,000 in all. She is still a long way off.