DTWNews

Quicken Loans is partnering with HGTV’s Nicole Curtis (of the show Rehab Addict) and the Brush Park Development Company to restore the historic Ransom Gillis mansion in Detroit, the mortgage company announced on its blog July 23.

“Both Quicken Loans and Nicole Curtis are passionate about the city of Detroit and its exciting, ongoing revitalization,” said Donna Stephens, senior vice president of ad sales for Scripps Networks Interactive, the parent company of HGTV, in the announcement. “I can’t think of a more meaningful collaboration for Detroit than having these home and finance experts come together on such an impactful project.”

Renovations have just begun, and will focus on incorporating locally sourced fixtures and furnishings to reflect Detroit’s rich history.

The mansion was built between 1876 and 1878, designed by Henry Brush and George Mason as a single-family residence. It has sat unoccupied since the mid-1960s.

The property will be reconfigured into two separate residences.

Its renovation kicks off a much broader development plan that will involve building on or rehabilitating 8.4 acres in the Brush Park neighborhood. That will include restoring other historic homes, as well as constructing new mixed-use housing, retail and public green space.

Of the more than 300 living units that will be added, at least 20% will be classified as affordable housing. Construction is scheduled to be completed in 2017.

“Brush Park is a vital neighborhood that is about to see a significant investment in revitalization and new construction. Once completed, this area is going to become an anchor for the growth of Detroit’s neighborhoods,” Quicken Loans President Jay Farner predicted.

The eight-part series covering the Ransom Gillis renovation process will debut on HGTV this November. On top of that, HGTV and the DIY Network (a sister channel) will be creating bonus vignettes illustrating the homebuying process from start to finish. Many homeowners don’t realize how many steps go into buying a house, from getting pre-approved to getting an inspection (something all homeowners should do but only 77% do) to going through escrow. They’ll also be exploring how to renovate a home to suit a buyer’s individual preferences.