URGENT UPDATE: The Detroit City Council is facing mounting pressure to take control of the historic Leland House as the city grapples with a severe housing crisis. Just hours ago, council members discussed the potential acquisition of the long-vacant building at 400 Bagley St., with advocates urging immediate action to convert it into public housing.
The 22-story Leland House has been empty since December 2023, following an emergency evacuation ordered by the Detroit fire marshal due to power failures. Residents have been unable to return to retrieve essential belongings, including medications, identification, and irreplaceable family heirlooms. As the debate escalates, the urgency for a permanent housing solution intensifies.
Housing advocates, led by Steven Rimmer from the Detroit Tenants Union, insist that the city must act decisively. “We cannot allow another cycle of speculation or displacement,” Rimmer told council members. He highlighted that the city is already spending resources to temporarily house displaced residents and called for a bold intervention.
In a striking parallel, Donovan McCarty, director of the Housing Justice Clinic at Michigan State University, cited successful initiatives in California where state funds have transformed hotels into permanent affordable housing. “It’s not unprecedented. It’s something that can be done, and it should be done,” he asserted.
Authorities confirmed that under Michigan law, the city could pursue eminent domain to acquire the blighted property or consider nuisance abatement proceedings, which could lead to liens and possible foreclosure. Conrad Mallett, Detroit’s corporation counsel, acknowledged that taking control of the Leland is “probably legally possible,” but stressed the need for guidance from Mayor Sheffield’s administration.
As the council deliberates, council member Denzel McCampbell predicted that the city might eventually gain ownership of the Leland House. “I honestly think we’re going to get to the point where the city is going to get ownership of the building,” he stated.
The human toll of the ongoing crisis cannot be ignored. Residents like Katherine Guyton, who lived at the Leland and cared for her 9-year-old grandson, expressed the devastating impact of their displacement. “I no longer have an address or a place to call home,” Guyton lamented, highlighting the emotional and financial strain on her family. “We earned it. It’s ours, and we need it,” she pleaded, calling for the city to allow residents to access their belongings.
Despite the city’s claim of safety concerns, including a lack of electricity and working elevators, tenants remain frustrated and are calling for action. Many fear that their possessions, which include vital medical equipment, are at risk of being lost forever. Daryl Stewart, a 67-year-old artist, emphasized the importance of retrieving personal items for moving forward.
Council President James Tate expressed his concern for the tenants, stating, “My heart is broken when you talk about people not being able to get into their units.” Meanwhile, Councilmember Renata Miller called the situation a blatant failure, stating, “This building didn’t just become unsafe to live in. It is our responsibility.”
The next bankruptcy hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, and the city’s decision on how to proceed with the Leland House could set a precedent for future housing interventions in Detroit. Advocates hope this will be an opportunity for Mayor Sheffield to fulfill her campaign promise of aggressive action on affordable housing and tenant protections.
The pressure is mounting as the clock ticks down. Detroiters and advocates are watching closely to see if the city will finally take the necessary steps to provide a safe and stable living environment for its residents.
