A Couple’s Journey to Revive a 1927 Detroit Home into Their Forever Sanctuary

In a heartwarming tale of dedication, patience, and creativity, a Detroit couple has transformed a long-abandoned 1927 home into their dream residence. The property, which had sat vacant for nearly a decade, was not only restored to its former glory but also enhanced with modern touches, creating a timeless forever home. The story of this remarkable renovation, shared by Miranda Suman (username u/mopedgirl) on Reddit, has captivated thousands of people, earning over 113,000 upvotes since its posting on March 5. The viral post offers a glimpse into the couple’s five-year journey of breathing new life into a neglected piece of history.

A Viral Sensation: The Before-and-After Transformation

The Reddit post, titled "Before and afters of turning our formerly abandoned 1927 Detroit home into our forever home," has become a viral sensation, resonating with many who appreciate the beauty of home restoration. Through striking before-and-after images, the couple shared their labor of love, showcasing the dramatic transformation of the property. The post comes at a time when home renovation spending in the U.S. has seen a significant surge. According to a Houzz survey of over 32,000 users, the median renovation spend increased by 60% between 2020 and 2023, jumping from $15,000 to $24,000. This trend reflects a growing interest in restoring and upgrading homes, making Miranda and Brandon’s story especially relevant.

From Vacancy to Revival: The Couple’s Vision and Purchase

Miranda Suman, a car designer, and her husband Brandon, who also works in the automotive industry, purchased the home in 2016 after it had been vacant for more than seven years. Located near the University of Detroit Mercy, the house had once belonged to one of Miranda’s college professors. The professor’s mother had lived there for many years but moved out due to medical complications, leaving the property to fall into disrepair. Frozen pipes had burst, damaging about 30% of the interior, and the home lacked basic utilities like heat, water, and electricity. Despite its state, the couple saw potential in the historic property and decided to embark on an extensive restoration project.

Bringing the House Back to Life: The Restoration Process

The couple’s renovation journey was nothing short of ambitious. They started by addressing the most critical issues: repairing the plumbing, upgrading the electrical system, and restoring the original steam heat. They also salvaged and restored all the original windows, preserving the home’s classic charm. The house, which originally featured six bedrooms and 3.5 baths across 3,800 square feet, underwent significant changes. A bedroom was converted into a master bath suite, and a sunroom addition increased the total living space to 4,000 square feet. The couple worked tirelessly, with the help of a father-son carpentry team, to complete the interior in about a year before moving in. However, the renovation was far from over.

Exterior Enhancements and the Final Touches

The exterior and outdoor spaces required just as much attention as the interior. Over the course of 3.5 years, the couple transformed the exterior by adding a new garage, sunroom, and mudroom, as well as landscaping and hardscaping the property. The final phase of the renovation focused on the basement, which boasts beautiful terrazzo floors, full-height windows overlooking a double lot, and an electric fireplace. While modernizing the home, Miranda and Brandon were committed to preserving as much of the original craftsmanship as possible. They kept the original plaster, restored the radiators, and maintained almost all of the original flooring. The chandeliers, except for two, are also originals, adding to the home’s historic character.

A Labor of Love: Investment, Value, and Forever Home

The couple’s investment in the home goes far beyond the initial purchase price of $127,000. As property values in the neighborhood have skyrocketed—homes now selling for $400,000 to $600,000—their renovation costs have exceeded market value. However, for Miranda and Brandon, this home is more than just a financial investment; it is their forever home. They have no plans to leave or flip the property anytime soon. Reflecting on their journey, the couple cherishes the spaces they’ve restored and built together. Their favorite part of the home is now the garden and sunroom, where they enjoy spending time with neighbors by the firepit. Their story is a testament to the power of patience, skill, and vision, proving that even the most neglected properties can be brought back to life with love and dedication.

A Legacy of Restoration and Community

Miranda and Brandon’s journey is not just about restoring a house; it’s about preserving history, fostering community, and creating a space that tells a story. Their dedication to maintaining the home’s original craftsmanship while incorporating modern touches serves as an inspiration for anyone considering a renovation project. As the couple continues to enjoy their forever home, their story encourages others to see the potential in neglected properties and to invest in creating spaces that hold meaning and value. For those with their own home renovation stories, Newsweek invites them to share their experiences at life@newsweek.com, offering a platform to celebrate the creativity and hard work that goes into turning houses into homes.