Write A House is a project that purchases and renovates foreclosed homes in Detroit before giving them away to aspiring literary talents.
Write A House —
Write A House is a project that purchases and renovates foreclosed homes in Detroit before giving them away to aspiring literary talents.
Courtesy Andy Kopietz
The idea is the brainchild of Detroit-based writers Toby Barlow and Sarah Cox who hope to improve Detroit's neighborhoods by filling out boarded up properties while changing perceptions of life in the city through literature.
Write A House —
The idea is the brainchild of Detroit-based writers Toby Barlow and Sarah Cox who hope to improve Detroit's neighborhoods by filling out boarded up properties while changing perceptions of life in the city through literature.
Courtesy Andy Kopietz
Journalists, poets, screen-writers and authors of fiction and nonfiction works were among the many to apply for the first home Write A House bought at disclosure.
Write A House —
Journalists, poets, screen-writers and authors of fiction and nonfiction works were among the many to apply for the first home Write A House bought at disclosure.
Courtesy Andy Kopietz
After much consideration by judges who included Billy Collins, the former U.S. poet laureate, 29-year-old poet Casey Rocheteau was selected to be the home's new owner.
Write A House —
After much consideration by judges who included Billy Collins, the former U.S. poet laureate, 29-year-old poet Casey Rocheteau was selected to be the home's new owner.
Courtesy Michelle and Chris Gerard
The first Write A House was purchased for $1,000 at foreclosure but required extensive renovations costing $50,000.
Write A House —
The first Write A House was purchased for $1,000 at foreclosure but required extensive renovations costing $50,000.
Courtesy Andy Kopietz
Volunteers helped clear the house while a local company that employs and trains young apprentices carried out the renovation work.
Write A House —
Volunteers helped clear the house while a local company that employs and trains young apprentices carried out the renovation work.
Courtesy Andy Kopietz
Traces of old residents and owners remained in the house when Write A House received the keys.
Write A House —
Traces of old residents and owners remained in the house when Write A House received the keys.
Courtesy Andy Kopietz
Rocheteau will move into the house on November 1 and says she is excited to start exploring her new community as well as meeting existing members of Detroit's literary scene.
Write A House —
Rocheteau will move into the house on November 1 and says she is excited to start exploring her new community as well as meeting existing members of Detroit's literary scene.
Courtesy Andy Kopietz