One of Woodward's most iconic landmarks, the historic Hecker-Smiley mansion, is now up for sale. The current owner, the law firm of Charfoos and Christensen, is moving on, although the signifigance and quality of their early '90s renovation will remain.
The building at the corner of E. Ferry was built in 1889 for Col. Frank Joseph Hecker, who lived in it with his family until 1927, at which time it transitioned to an exclusive and strict boarding house for college students. In 1947, it was sold to the Smiley Bros. Music company, who utilized it as its headquarters. Charfoos and Christensen, under the auspices of the Historic Hecker Mansion Limited Partnership, purchased the building in 1991 and began work on its restoration, which was awarded a U.S. Department of the Interior award in 1992.
Preservation Wayne assisted with the restoration by putting the Hecker Mansion group in touch with knowledgable contractors and by conducting historic research. The group has enjoyed a beneficial relationship with Charfoos and Christensen, and is sad to see them go, says executive director Francis Grunow. He says he hopes that the new owner is "a person or company or firm that is going to take care of it and know how to use it, that will continue the vision of a great Detroit landmar."
The sale is being facilitated by Fred Klugman of Klugman Commercial Properties, LLC. He can be reached at 313.962.7600.
Source: Fred Klugman, Klugman Commercial Properties, LLC and Francis Grunow, Preservation Wayne
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.