Detroit's Leland House Faces Uncertain Future as DTE Energy Plans to Cut Power
The historic 20-story Leland House in Detroit, once a luxury hotel turned dingy apartment building, is now on the brink of disaster. With less than a month before the holiday season, residents are being forced out due to DTE Energy's plans to cut power to the building. The utility company claims that the building's owner, Leland House Limited Partnership Company, owes a significant amount of money and is behind on their utility bills.
The situation has become dire as the building's owner struggles to pay off debts and secure financing for much-needed repairs. A consent agreement stemming from the city's lawsuit against the ownership group requires major repairs to be completed before any sale can move forward. However, it appears that this deadline may not be met, leaving residents without a place to call home.
The Leland House has been plagued by issues over the years, including broken elevators, inoperable smoke detectors, and heat exchangers submerged in water. Inspectors have found common areas with temperatures in the 40s, making it "not fit for human habitation" according to the city.
City officials are stepping in to help residents relocate, but it remains unclear how quickly they will be placed in new housing. The situation is further complicated by a state public nuisance case that has been reopened against the building's owners, despite their Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing earlier this month.
As DTE Energy prepares to cut power on December 3rd, the future of the Leland House hangs in the balance. With residents facing an uncertain future and the city pushing for action, one thing is clear: something needs to be done to address the building's mounting debt and ensure that those living there receive the support they need.
The city has been taking steps to enforce its rights as a property owner, including filing a lawsuit against the ownership group in 2023. The court order requires major repairs to be completed before any sale can move forward, but it appears that this deadline may not be met.
Meanwhile, DTE Energy is working with customers to avoid shutoffs, but in this case, their efforts appear to have been unsuccessful. The company's spokesperson claims that they are always looking for solutions to help customers find a way forward, but the Leland House situation suggests that more needs to be done.
As the holiday season approaches, the fate of the Leland House and its residents remains uncertain. Will city officials and DTE Energy come together to find a solution, or will the building be left to face an uncertain future? Only time will tell.
The historic 20-story Leland House in Detroit, once a luxury hotel turned dingy apartment building, is now on the brink of disaster. With less than a month before the holiday season, residents are being forced out due to DTE Energy's plans to cut power to the building. The utility company claims that the building's owner, Leland House Limited Partnership Company, owes a significant amount of money and is behind on their utility bills.
The situation has become dire as the building's owner struggles to pay off debts and secure financing for much-needed repairs. A consent agreement stemming from the city's lawsuit against the ownership group requires major repairs to be completed before any sale can move forward. However, it appears that this deadline may not be met, leaving residents without a place to call home.
The Leland House has been plagued by issues over the years, including broken elevators, inoperable smoke detectors, and heat exchangers submerged in water. Inspectors have found common areas with temperatures in the 40s, making it "not fit for human habitation" according to the city.
City officials are stepping in to help residents relocate, but it remains unclear how quickly they will be placed in new housing. The situation is further complicated by a state public nuisance case that has been reopened against the building's owners, despite their Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing earlier this month.
As DTE Energy prepares to cut power on December 3rd, the future of the Leland House hangs in the balance. With residents facing an uncertain future and the city pushing for action, one thing is clear: something needs to be done to address the building's mounting debt and ensure that those living there receive the support they need.
The city has been taking steps to enforce its rights as a property owner, including filing a lawsuit against the ownership group in 2023. The court order requires major repairs to be completed before any sale can move forward, but it appears that this deadline may not be met.
Meanwhile, DTE Energy is working with customers to avoid shutoffs, but in this case, their efforts appear to have been unsuccessful. The company's spokesperson claims that they are always looking for solutions to help customers find a way forward, but the Leland House situation suggests that more needs to be done.
As the holiday season approaches, the fate of the Leland House and its residents remains uncertain. Will city officials and DTE Energy come together to find a solution, or will the building be left to face an uncertain future? Only time will tell.