Other duplexes of note...

I have always had a bit of a fascination with multi-unit housing. There are a number in my neighborhood that I have admired and even thought of buying. For instance, my friend Dave owns a late 19th Century duplex in the Cass Corridor. What I wouldn't give to own something like this:



(Courtesy of my friend Dave)

There is also this beauty on the historic Canfield block not far from my loft:



(Courtesy of Nate Luzod)

I have been inside the Canfield Duplex and, wow, is it a project. Not only is it a project but one that a couple of other people have tried to tackle, unsuccessfully, over the years. The most recent attempt was just before the housing crisis landed. One thing I remember was the expression "F$%& OFF!" written in scraggly red spray paint in its basement. That didn't do much to dispell its haunted house persona.

The most recent duplex to catch my eye is the reputed Arthur Miller duplex in downtown Ann Arbor. A recent story in AnnArbor.com tells how the University of Michigan recently purchased this Victorian duplex adjacent to the university's Central Campus. That usually means the building will be razed to make room for another university expansion. However, my Dad and I talked about the idea of moving it a few blocks to our family's vacant lot a few blocks away if the university would play ball. It's a definite long shot, but who wouldn't want a duplex like this?