Abandoned houses in Michigan, built between 1874-1877. Before and after the restoration.
Abandoned houses in Michigan, built between 1874 and 1877, offer a glimpse into a bygone era of architectural elegance, industrial growth, and evolving cultural trends. These homes, originally constructed during a time when Michigan was undergoing rapid development, represent a range of architectural styles, from Gothic Revival to Italianate and Second Empire, all of which were popular during the mid to late 19th century.
In this time frame, Michigan was a growing industrial state, with wealth generated through lumber, shipping, and emerging manufacturing industries. The houses built during this period were often designed for affluent business owners, industrialists, or local elites, showcasing a mix of local craftsmanship and influences from European architectural trends.
Here’s a detailed look at before and after restoration for one of these magnificent old homes:
Before Restoration: Abandoned and Forgotten
When a house that was built between 1874-1877 is abandoned, it can often appear desolate, deteriorating, and frozen in time. These homes, though once grand and stately, have fallen victim to the harsh realities of neglect, decay, and nature’s reclamation. The features that once made these houses stand out—ornate trim work, tall windows, and intricate moldings—have often been worn down or buried under layers of grime.
Exterior Conditions:
Weathered Facade: The original wooden siding or brickwork of the home is often severely weathered, with peeling paint exposing the raw wood or bricks beneath. The once bright ornate trim around windows and doors is now chipped, cracked, and obscured by decay.
Sagging Rooflines: The roof may be bowed or sagging, with missing shingles or even exposed rafters, revealing the damage caused by years of leaks and neglect. Water damage often leads to the warping of roofing materials.
Overgrown Yard: The lawn and surrounding grounds have likely been overrun with wild vegetation. Grass, weeds, and vines may encroach on the porch, while trees and bushes grow out of control, some even breaking through the house’s foundation in their attempt to reclaim the land.
Broken Windows & Doors: Many windows and doors are either boarded up or shattered. Some windows may still have fragmented glass, while others may be entirely missing, allowing wind, rain, and critters to creep inside the house. The front door is likely broken or hanging off its hinges, though it may have once been ornate, with intricate carvings and glass insets.
Cracked Foundation: The home’s foundation—whether stone, brick, or wood—may be cracked or settling, leading to uneven floors and sagging walls. This may result in the house leaning in one direction, or the floors and walls bowing outwards.
Interior Damage: Inside, the ceilings might show signs of water damage—peeling plaster, mold growth, or stained wallpaper. Wooden floors may be warped, and the ornate moldings or staircases could be falling apart, with rotting wood and broken balusters. The once grand fireplaces may be cracked, with bricks or stonework falling loose.
Architectural Decay:
The intricate woodwork around door frames, windows, and ceiling moldings have become brittle over time, with many carvings and details lost or chipped.
Staircases that may have once been grand, with spindled banisters and elaborate newel posts, are now often covered in dirt, and the wood is weakened, with loose or broken steps.
Period wallpaper is often peeling or hanging loosely, exposing raw walls behind. Once rich in color and pattern, the wallpaper has become faded, stained, and moldy.
The Unseen Danger:
Mold and mildew may be present, particularly in rooms with poor ventilation or signs of water damage. The foundation could be weakened, causing concern for structural integrity.
After Restoration: Rebirth of a Historic Home
Restoring a home that was built between 1874-1877 takes immense dedication and care, as historical homes are not only fragile but often require specific skills and materials to preserve their original character. Restoration can bring the home back to its former grandeur, showcasing the elegance and craftsmanship that defined the Victorian era, while still ensuring safety and modern functionality.
Exterior Restoration:
Repaired and Painted Facade: The exterior siding is typically restored with historically accurate materials, such as wood, brick, or stone. The exterior is carefully stripped of old paint, with the surface treated for decay and then re-painted with historically accurate colors. The trim work is often restored to its original patterns using high-quality wood or resin-based materials.
Roof Replacement: The roof is typically replaced or repaired with materials that closely resemble the original design, whether it’s slate, metal, or wood shingles. This ensures that the roof is both visually appropriate and structurally sound, protecting the house from further water damage.
Landscaping and Yard Restoration: The yard is cleared of overgrowth and often re-landscaped to evoke the original garden design of the era. Lawn is reseeded, hedges are trimmed, and flower beds are replanted with period-appropriate flora.
Restored Windows and Doors: Broken windows and doors are replaced with restored or replicated glass. Wooden window frames are often rebuilt, and in some cases, original glass is restored to bring back the home’s character. Doors may be carefully stripped and refinished, restoring their original carvings and details.
Foundation Repairs: The home’s foundation is reinforced, with cracks sealed and any settling issues addressed. A professional contractor might lift the house and replace or repair the foundation to ensure stability.
Interior Restoration:
Preserving Original Woodwork: One of the most stunning aspects of the restoration is the preservation of original woodwork. Intricate door and window moldings, wainscoting, and baseboards are carefully restored. This often includes stripping old paint, sanding, and re-staining to restore the rich tones of oak, mahogany, or walnut.
Rebuilding Stairs and Handrails: Broken staircases are often reconstructed using replica balusters, spindles, and newel posts, recreating the elegance of the original design. Floors may be refinished or replaced with period-appropriate wood to match the original structure.
Fireplace Restoration: Fireplaces are often restored to their original condition, using matching stone or tile to recreate the elaborate hearths. Some may have mantels or carved marble restored or replaced if damaged.
Wall and Ceiling Repairs: The ceiling moldings, cornices, and decorative plasterwork are either carefully restored or recreated, ensuring the house maintains its historical elegance. Period wallpaper may be recreated from historical samples and re-applied, or in some cases, painted designs are used to mimic the original finishes.
Modern Amenities: The home’s kitchen, bathrooms, and utilities are updated to meet modern standards but are designed in a way that doesn’t interfere with the home’s historical character. Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems are hidden where possible, ensuring that they don’t disrupt the integrity of the original design.
Final Touches:
The restoration often includes the installation of historical lighting fixtures, period-appropriate furniture, and the careful placement of decorative rugs and curtains to match the original designs of the 1870s.
Restored windows might feature stained glass elements, reflecting the craftsmanship and artistic flair of the era.
Conclusion:
The transformation of an abandoned house from 1874-1877 in Michigan from a dilapidated ruin to a fully restored historic home is nothing short of remarkable. The process often takes years and considerable resources but results in a stunning revival of a bygone era. Once restored, these homes return to their rightful place as architectural treasures—both a piece of history and a beautiful living space.
From the faded walls, broken windows, and weathered exteriors to the revitalized charm of carefully restored trim, ornate details, and lush grounds, the journey from abandonment to restoration honors the craftsmanship and history of these 19th-century gems. The final result is a testament to the enduring legacy of Michigan’s architectural heritage.
