The home will move from its current location at the former Michigan state fairgrounds at 8 Mile Road and Woodward Avenue to the corner of Orleans and Wilkins Streets in Eastern Market.
Permits for preparation at the home’s current and new locations were approved in late March 2020. Due to the coronavirus pandemic and the state-mandated stay at home order, work could not begin until mid-May. In addition, the state fairgrounds site is a COVID-19 testing site, and proper safety and security protocols for contractors needed to be implemented before work could begin.
Contractors gained access to the site on May 19 and began work to prepare the house. The move will involve dividing the house in two; the second floor will be removed and placed onto one moving truck. Then, the first story will be placed on a second moving truck.
Last fall, contractors installed the steel beams that will be used to lift the second story. On May 22, carpenters began the delicate work of cutting the house in two. To prepare for the cutting, several wooden supports were installed internally to minimize sway. In addition, the house has been lifted off its foundation.
In early June, contractors will begin constructing a new foundation and preparing utilities at the home’s new location in Eastern Market. The prep work at both locations is on target for completion by the end of June 2020.
Meanwhile, planning for the physical move is in progress. The home must move 15 miles to its new location, which will require relocating traffic signals and utility lines, as well as temporarily closing streets. Every effort is being made to plan for the safest possible route with limited disruptions to the community. At this time, a final move date has not been secured.
The Michigan History Foundation is raising private funds for the move, the prep work and the final restoration of the home. Please donate today or contact Erin Burns, Michigan History Foundation Executive Director, at erin@michiganhistory.org
For more information about the Julia and Ulysses S. Grant home, visit the project website at GrantHomeDetroit.org.
With the necessary permits secured, the planned move of Julia and Ulysses S. Grant’s Detroit home is underway.
Contractors gained access to the site on May 19 and began work to prepare the house. The move will involve dividing the house in two; the second floor will be removed and placed onto one moving truck. Then, the first story will be placed on a second moving truck.
Meanwhile, planning for the physical move is in progress. The home must move 15 miles to its new location, which will require relocating traffic signals and utility lines, as well as temporarily closing streets. Every effort is being made to plan for the safest possible route with limited disruptions to the community. At this time, a final move date has not been secured.
