House under construction since 1986 in Water Hill neighborhood draws scrutiny
Sindi Keesan and her partner Jim Deigert started building this house at 512 Felch St. in Ann Arbor in 1986. Three decades later, it remains a work in progress. "This area was sort of a low-rent district for a long time," said Keesan, who hopes to finally move into the home this year. "It's turned into a gentrified area now."
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
One step at a time, she and Deigert — a trained electrician and son of a civil engineer — have pieced together most of the house themselves over the years, and it's been a learning experience.
"I had never built a house. I know nothing about building houses," said Keesan, a professional translator. "Jim taught me how to use a hammer and a saw. We were using hand tools for the first few years until we got the house enclosed. We did the whole outside of it with hand tools."
"We started building in 1986 and we've been through at least three heads of the building department," Keesan said. "We had a nice inspector for 20 years, but he retired. And before he left, he brought his daughter, who was graduating high school, to visit. She was a baby when we started."
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
Keesan's neighbors are divided over what to think of the unconventional construction project, which has come under close scrutiny by the city's building department in the last year. While it appears mostly complete from the outside, it's definitely unfinished inside.
Some love it, some hate it, and others just want to stay clear of the controversy it's caused.
"We've been here for 20 years, and I have to say, I'm impressed with the innovations they've built into the house," said Hannah Hotchkiss, who lives next door. "It has been a very long project, but they've been really good neighbors … so the controversy made us sad."
John and Michele Kelly, who built their own home two doors down a couple years ago, have butted heads with Keesan and her partner and have complained about the project.
Michele Kelly, who thinks the project is taking too long, said it's been a "nightmare" and at this point she's not convinced Keesan will ever finish the house, which she considers blight.
The Kellys took out personal protection orders against Keesan and Deigert last year following an altercation near their home. Both sides tell different stories about what transpired, and both claim they've been harassed by the other.
Complaints by the Kellys to the city's building department have led to increased scrutiny of the 512 Felch house, and the city is now pushing Keesan to wrap up the project.
For the last several months, Roger Bliss, a freelance repairman from Chelsea and a friend, has been helping Keesan get the house ready for occupancy, assisting with electrical wiring and other odd jobs.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
At one point last September, the city issued a "stop work" order and posted a "hazardous structure" notice on the home to get Keesan's attention. The city agreed with the Kellys that the house had become an eyesore with plastic wrap around the porches coming loose.
Ralph Welton, the city's chief building official, said he hopes Keesan will be able to finish the first floor by early August, at which point the city could issue a certificate of occupancy to allow her to live in the house.
Welton said the second floor could remain unfinished and be treated as a "walk-up attic" as long as it's vacant. Keesan would have to pull separate permits to finish the second floor.
From the time she purchased the empty lot in 1985 until last February, Keesan, who is now living with her partner a mile and a half away, had been renting an apartment on Hiscock Street. She said she set out to build the house to get something she couldn't find on the market in Ann Arbor.
Welton said the city's inspectors have determined the shell of Keesan's house meets city code, and mechanical, electrical and plumbing inspections are expected in the near future.
"It is an unconventional project," he acknowledged, adding it appears Keesan has been getting her building permit renewed every eight or 10 years by the city.
He said he has no reason to be concerned that unsafe construction methods are being used. On the contrary, he said, it's "a very solid house" and "pretty impressive." He said the stainless steel roof, the only item Keesan paid a contractor to install, is fairly progressive.
"I didn't know what to expect going in," he said. "It's quirky in a pretty interesting way. The design on it was pretty far ahead of its time for 1986. It's got double-thick walls with a lot of insulation. There are obviously some people with engineering experience who helped design this."
The staircase that leads from the first floor to the second floor. Keesan said she used a lot of scrap lumber in the construction of the house. "We spent a lot of time pulling nails. I got good at that," she said.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
For the last several months, Roger Bliss, a freelance repairman from Chelsea and a friend, has been helping Keesan get the house ready for occupancy, assisting with electrical wiring and other odd jobs.
"She's trying very hard to soundproof it, and that's taking a lot of extra time," Bliss said, pointing to the 9 inches of insulation in the walls and plans to further soundproof the windows to keep out noise.
Christina Snyder, a Manchester-based architect, also has been spending time at the house with Keesan, though Snyder said she hasn't contributed much. She, too, gives credit to Deigert.
"Jim is very particular about all his details, thinks them through very hard and carefully, and is very precise in his carpentry," Snyder said. "They did a lot of creative things, and the code officials don't exactly always understand or know how to judge what they've done."
Keesan's house briefly turned up on a list of houses in Ann Arbor being considered for demolition last September, which surprised Keesan.
Records show the Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development, on behalf of the city, requested and received approval for $20,000 in demolition funds from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority for what was labeled a "condemned" house at 512 Felch St.
The house was on a list of several dangerous or blighted houses, including a row of boarded-up houses on North Main Street, for which demolition funding was sought.
Keesan, left, poses for a portrait on the front steps with Chelsea-based contractor Roger Bliss and Manchester-based architect Christina Snyder.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
"512 Felch was in enforcement action in the city for blight," he said. "The owner had been non-responsive to the city, and accordingly, we included the project in the application for (demolition) funds. Subsequently, the owner followed up with the city, so it was no longer necessary to pursue."
Lt. Renee Bush of the Ann Arbor Police Department said there were two calls to police last year regarding construction noise at 512 Felch. She said Keesan was contacted on scene and a warning for noise was given on one occasion, and there have been no calls to police about the house this year.
A native of Boston, Keesan came to Ann Arbor in 1975 as a graduate student at the University of Michigan. She studied Slavic linguistics and worked as a self-employed translator until this past year. Now, at 62, her focus is on finishing the house she started building at age 35.
"I'm here every single day with Roger," Keesan said. "Once every couple weeks, he has to go to the doctor, so I get a day off and I come here with Christina."
Keesan said she hasn't kept track of how much money she's put into the house, but she guesses maybe $50,000. Many of the materials, including lumber used to build the house, doors found inside, and old bricks that form a walkway up to the front steps, were recycled or picked from the trash. She even used 1,500 recycled concrete blocks to make the foundation for the home.
"We're trying to use as much recycled materials as possible," she said. "A lot of the lumber is pulled out of dumpsters and things people gave us."
Keesan is planning to have two separate electric meters — one for daytime use and a separate time-of-day meter to get cheaper rates during off-peak hours.
"It's going to cost maybe $100 a year to heat electrically," she said. "I have time-of-day thermostats and a little timer on the water heater."
The house has a few other neat features, including enclosed, solar-heated porches on both floors and a roof cupola that offers a 360-degree view of the outside world.
Eager to move into the house, Keesan is now lining up contractors to help finish some of the remaining work.
"Unfortunately, in order to finish the first floor, we have to put the ceiling on, and before we put the ceiling on, we have to do all the wiring and the plumbing going upstairs, and the ventilation, and we have to get everything all planned out," she said. "Planning is taking most of our time."
Asked what her plans are after finishing the house, Keesan says without hesitation: "This is going to be my home. Why would I go anywhere else after all this?"
Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529. You also can follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's email newsletters.
Comments
sindikeesan
Sun, Jun 30, 2013 : 2:31 p.m.
520 Felch is listed for sale with Brent Flewelling of Reinhart (http://reinhartrealtors.com), according to a sign at the curb since Monday June 24. It is being shown by appointment this weekend.
himtoo
Wed, May 22, 2013 : 2:29 p.m.
Seems like the outside has been finished and looks nice and people are on the property often. I have been in the neighborhood before and cannot see where it looks like an eyesore or blight or abandoned or anything different from the other houses.
transplant
Tue, May 21, 2013 : 3:42 p.m.
I have to be on the nay-sayers side with this one. It doesn't matter how nice the people are or how cool the house looks from the outside or what it is made of. It sounds like more planning than building is being done. Jim isn't even visiting the site, yet he's still planning?
sindikeesan
Tue, May 21, 2013 : 5:34 p.m.
Jim is guiding the project but does not feel safe going there. We do a lot of phone consultation. He is also trading time with Christina, who is building a much more unusual house while also helping me with such things as plastering and ventilation. I posted replies to some other questions above but there seems to be no way to read replies by specific people, so see my detailed responses in comments by BHarding (help with building - could use some digging and transplanting help in the fall) Billy (materials costs - average is $40/sq ft) Dancinginmysoul (soundproofing to keep noise out, not in, including banner planes) Justcurious (power tools - we used hand saws and hammers on the exterior but hired an excavator for two days and roofers for two weeks who used power tools) I can't find the question about whether he Kellys knocked down a house to build theirs - maybe it got deleted - but the answer is yes. 520 Felch was a Sears kit house about half the size of the new carriage house. Their architect was the former owner, who had also planned to replace the old house with something he designed but let the bank foreclose due to family problems, and was asked to draw up the new owners' ideas of something that 'fit into the neighborhood'. The lot with house was $40,000 in 2010 according to city records, which also show information on permits and inspections and taxes for any house that was or is being built since they computerized. http://etrakit.a2gov.org Real estate companies post information on things like size and number of bedrooms for properties but these are often wrong. The Sears house was under 600 sq ft, with low ceilings upstairs. For more details of this story and a tour catch me at the house. I expect to be there from about 4 to midnight Sat through Tues. Knock loudly on front door. I see that the last seven comments were removed. Ryan was going to check into why so many deletions.
Cendra Lynn
Mon, May 20, 2013 : 7:46 p.m.
I cannot imagine what the business is about length of time. What difference does it make to anyone? There are so many unfinished house projects in my OWS neighborhood that the City would not be able to check them all out if we all started reporting each other. But we don't. One such house here was done in much the same way as Sindi and Jim's. It was many years in the finishing. Then it was put on the OWS Homes Tour. No one complained when they began that the couple lived in their basement or car while the work was begun.
Kellie Woodhouse
Mon, May 20, 2013 : 7:14 p.m.
This house has been in the works one year longer than I've been alive. I have no judgement about the house, other than things like this are what make Ann Arbor so... Ann Arbor. Also, I've always dreamed of building/restoring my own home as well.
a2citizen
Tue, May 21, 2013 : 11:13 p.m.
In a few years there may be a certain house on Felch st. ready for restoration.
Stella Halcyon
Mon, May 20, 2013 : 7:08 p.m.
I do not understand why this strictly neighborhood fantod warranted placement on the front page of the Sunday edition. Many of us in the neighborhood have been aware of this situation (which is in essence a neighbor spite fence type spat) for quite some time and have always hoped for calm and reasonable resolution, as it is unfortunate to have to think of one's neighbors as being stressed and uncomfortable with each other. To put it out as a "news" article smells of gasoline and yellow to me. And yes, yellow does have a smell if one has synesthesia.
lou glorie
Mon, May 20, 2013 : 6:35 p.m.
Water Hill is a haven for diversity. At least it was. There is some yuppification going on, but, I would caution anyone who moves in with the idea of getting rid of "blight", that blight is in the eye of the beholder and this neighborhood has long been tolerant of differing standards of upkeep. I'm kind of middling when it comes to maintenance, some neighbors are very diligent, others are lackadaisical. That's just the way it is and I wouldn't change it for anything. The more I hear about what Sindi and Jim are doing, the more intrigued I am about their project. We've got slow food here in Ann Arbor. Maybe slow building is a new trend. Certainly, if one is reusing building materials, a whole new layer of labor is involved--have you ever tried to recycle ceramic tile or old windows--yikes! Many of us are out of touch with the brutality of standard construction processes. It is speedy, but that's because the ground is razed, all obstacles removed, pre-fab materials shipped in from who knows where. There is so little craft involved, that you might as well live in those now trendy shipping containers. Notre Dame Cathedral took about 180 years. Again, if you want insta-house construction, maybe this neighborhood isn't for you. Bravo dear neighbors and bon courage!
mhirzel
Tue, May 21, 2013 : 12:23 a.m.
Bravo, Lou!
leezee
Mon, May 20, 2013 : 5:17 p.m.
After reading the comments I now understand how the Kelly's got a personal protection order. Guess it helps to be an attorney. Also, from the comments, it appears that the Kelly's just don't like Keesan. Somehow she pushes their buttons and because of that, they've decided to make her life miserable. Honestly, I don't think I'd want to hang with members of either household, but I wouldn't cause problems for anyone just because I don't like how they live their lives. The more I read the more I wonder what the problem really is. If the interior of the house is not done and it doesn't pose hazard, why should anyone care? I agree that 30 years is crazy, but if, for example, it took me 30 years to complete painting my bathroom, would it really be anyone's business?
Arboriginal
Mon, May 20, 2013 : 2:49 p.m.
It's a beautiful house! The neighbors should be thankful she's not the crazy cat lady!
kazinmich
Mon, May 20, 2013 : 2:24 p.m.
Sindi and Jim are wonderful, caring people and truly an asset to the community! I met them years ago, and in those years I have seen them help multiple people with supplies, garden fresh food, recycled computers, and more. They are intelligent, generous people who reduce, reuse, and recycle and do an amazing job of it! They are building (annoying neighbors?) During normal hours, starting early and ending late, but not during sleep hours. The house is amazing since it is built out of recycled materials and the house was already in progress when the neighbors bought theirs. Of they didn't want to live next door to renovation, then they shouldn't have bought the house. The restraining order is absurd. Sindi and Jim would not harm, trespass, or threaten others. They will stand their ground and protect their rights to their home. They should not be bullied into giving up on their life long project. They are amazing people who should be commended, and maybe offered a hand, not.bashed!!!
Heidi Koester
Mon, May 20, 2013 : 2:19 p.m.
Fascinating story. The exact nature of the neighbors' complaints wasn't really clear to me, though. Is there noise associated with the ongoing construction? Do you have any more info about this, Ryan?
Nicholas Urfe
Mon, May 20, 2013 : 12:48 p.m.
I am surprised those recently moved in lawyers haven't sued the city to change the name of their street.
CynicA2
Wed, May 22, 2013 : 5:18 a.m.
Haaaaaa! Too funny!!
Rob
Mon, May 20, 2013 : 12:29 p.m.
One thing I can tell you about Sindi and Jim: They are nothing if not respectful. Of people, of nature, of everything. I have had occasion to work with them (and ask favors of them) on several occasions - Sindi was known in other circles for reusing discarded computer parts into working PCs for people who needed low-cost options for their homes. I availed of Jim's meticulous eye for detail in fixing a PC once, he taught me how to replace capacitors on a computer motherboard, which has since helped me save several allegedly 'dead' pieces of hardware. They asked me for only one thing, once: There was a raccoon they'd trapped in their backyard, and since they lack a car, would I help them relocate it? So Jim and I taxied the raccoon to a wooded park remote from homes, and let it free. These guys go out of their way to make life easy for people. They may be unconventional, but I say that's because "conventional" has come to mean some fairly unpleasant things.
Nightstars
Mon, May 20, 2013 : 10:46 a.m.
May I point out the irony of divorce lawyers complaining about this situation? They, of all people should know that what you see is what you get, whether it's marrying another person or moving into a neighborhood.
Halter
Mon, May 20, 2013 : 10:05 a.m.
This story and its comments deserves national recognition as one of those "Only in Ann Arbor" things...
easy123
Mon, May 20, 2013 : 3:36 a.m.
Beware, the yuppies are coming, the yuppies are coming!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
chucklk
Mon, May 20, 2013 : 3:24 a.m.
Where is the slide show that is advertised in the article header??? I live up the road and have driven by the house for the last 20 plus years and never had a problem with it. As far as I'm concerned they can take a hundred and thirty years to complete the project. Big deal!
Ryan J. Stanton
Mon, May 20, 2013 : 4:30 a.m.
It's at the end of the article
Nicholas Urfe
Mon, May 20, 2013 : 1:33 a.m.
"Michele Kelly, who thinks the project is taking too long, said it's been a "nightmare" and at this point she's not convinced Keesan will ever finish the house, which she considers blight." Oh, the humanity! That must be so awful! The divorce lawyers have only lived there a year and they have the nerve to make such judgements and public statements? And filing for a protection order? Meanwhile, the neighbor of 20 years says the complete opposite. Who are you gonna believe? When the Kelly's were shopping for a place to build, did they not look at what was around them? Did they decide then that they would just file a lawsuit or littany of complaints to the city against their neighbors? Or was that done out of spite or a grudge? Someone isn't very neighborly.
jcj
Mon, May 20, 2013 : 2:22 a.m.
"When the Kelly's were shopping for a place to build, did they not look at what was around them?" GREAT point Nicholas! Like moving next to an airport then complaining!
Dave
Mon, May 20, 2013 : 1:27 a.m.
Question to annarbor.com.... WHY is this 'news' worthy??
Jeff Renner
Mon, May 20, 2013 : 1:13 p.m.
I would say that the large number of comments here validates its newsworthiness.
jcj
Mon, May 20, 2013 : 2:22 a.m.
It's not so look elsewhere!
pluto77
Mon, May 20, 2013 : 1:19 a.m.
Property rights in this country have always been sacrosanct, so I am truly amazed how willing people are to hand them over to local government to force this lady to finish her house. All the reasons that brought the Kelly's to this neighborhood are now interfering with their right to enjoy their property. Ann Arbor is a liberal college town with a lot of offbeat people. If you wanted a Holly-hobby neighborhood you should have built a home in Chelsea. If you have a problem then you are entitled to pursue a civil complaint in the courts. Otherwise to all of you so willing to give the Ann Arbor Building Department the power to tell you how long you have to build a house on your own land, go back and read some history.
Laura Jones
Mon, May 20, 2013 : 1:29 a.m.
People out here don't want those kind of folks either. Send them north to Rochester Hills.
sindikeesan
Mon, May 20, 2013 : 1:17 a.m.
Re tax rates. Houses without C/Os are considered Non-Homestead properties and therefore pay an extra 18 mil in taxes. The regular Homestead tax rate is, I think, about 60 mil, so my tax rate is about 30% higher. This has to do with Ann Arbor not getting state school funding somehow. In addition, only Homestead properties are eligible for the $1200/year property tax rebate. This means if my finished house were to be assessed at twice what it is now, instead of $3200 in taxes I would save first the 18 mil or $800, and then could get back $1200 on my property taxes, for a net tax of $1200/year instead of $1600/year. Someone commented on the time-of-day rate. Ryan did not go into detail on this. I have one meter for everything but heat (HVAC but I have no need for AC) and hot water, for which I pay the regular senior rate if I don't go over 10 KWH/day (about $35/month including the new $10/month fee, assuming I use this much) and another meter for just heat and hot water, which is on the time of day rate. I pay a bit less than usual for any power used between 7 pm and 11 am or on weekends, when there is less demand, and about three times as much for power used during peak hours which is M-F 11 am to 7 pm (when people are home cooking). I have programmable thermostats which I will set to go off at 11 am. The house cools about 2 degrees per day in cold weather right now but may cool less once I get another set of windows in place, and crawlspace insulation. The water heater will be controlled by a 24-hour timer, which will turn it probably from 10-11 am every day in winter, then it can slowly release a little heat until 7 pm. In summer it will be left off most of the time, and turned on for 10 minutes before I want to shower. This involves also a relay. Instructions and parts lists are at http://waterheatertimer.org. Another option is to use solar-heater water from the rainbarrels.
brian
Mon, May 20, 2013 : 12:49 a.m.
Oh the days when you could take your family, find a piece of land, build a cabin with a fire place and lanterns for light at night and nobody around you to complain. Take me back to those days.
Brad
Mon, May 20, 2013 : 1:32 a.m.
Have at it. Those days are called "a hard life until you die at the average life expectancy of 35".
DowntownLou
Mon, May 20, 2013 : 12:38 a.m.
Only in Ann Arbor would people actually consider this project to be a good thing. 30 years to build a house? Are you kidding me? It looks like hell - what are these people doing? where do they sleep? The city should knock this disaster down
A2FairGround
Mon, May 20, 2013 : 12:23 a.m.
First of all, the motives/lives of the Kelly's should not be the central claim taken away from this article. Who cares that they are attorneys? Their house provides an exemplary example of the potential of Water Hill. I walk my dog past their house every day and John and Michele have been nothing but warm and welcoming, not to mention they have gone out of their way to contribute to Ann Arbor since moving here. Why attack them for being stuck up individuals when you have literally never met them or clearly have never had a single conversation with them. They volunteer their time in multiple AA organizations and are very active in the community, but you wouldn't know that if you smacked them with the stereotype of "snooty" attorneys. Let us instead recognize the fact that this "unconventional project" has been ongoing for 30 years. I am all for innovative additions to the Water Hill community, but I feel Ann Arbor needs to push the partners to finish their house! I respect the fact that Jim and Cindy wanted to take the initiative and build their own house (really though, that is great that they have pushed to do that), but when making those decisions in the first place you need to have a well thought out plan in place that includes time and a stabilized budget (that needs to happen BEFORE you dive head first into building a house, not after). Its not like Ann Arbor hasn't given them the opportunity to complete this project, they've had more than enough time to develop a creative, eco-friendly house, hell the Kelly's built an energy efficient home in 9 months!
sindikeesan
Tue, May 21, 2013 : 3:53 p.m.
Answer to the last reply - yes. Sears kit house, circa 1900, about half the size of the new carriage house in the rear now. The former owner, an architect who had planned to rebuild but let the house be foreclosed due to family problems, was hired to draw plans for the new house based on the new owners' ideas, to 'fit in' with the neighborhood. The lot with house sold for $40,000 in 2010 before property values skyrocketed again.
John Q
Mon, May 20, 2013 : 2:25 p.m.
Did the Kelly's knock down an existing home to build their home?
easy123
Mon, May 20, 2013 : 3:41 a.m.
another part of the snooty flock
Nicholas Urfe
Mon, May 20, 2013 : 1:27 a.m.
"but you wouldn't know that if you smacked them with the stereotype of "snooty" attorneys." We are defined by our actions. And also others' perceptions of our actions.
a2citizen
Mon, May 20, 2013 : 12:33 a.m.
How much have the kellys paid in legal fees? The fact that they are attorneys is relevant to the story.
jcj
Mon, May 20, 2013 : 12:31 a.m.
"but when making those decisions in the first place you need to have a well thought out plan in place that includes time and a stabilized budget" And who are we to say how they go about their plan? As long as they are not causing an undue hardship on anyone else let them be. And how do you know that they haven't " gone out of their way to contribute to Ann Arbor"? Why attack them for being unconventional?
Jay Thomas
Mon, May 20, 2013 : 12:04 a.m.
I have my doubts that being a translator of slavic language pays very well here when you are not working for the U. Probably a big source of the endless delay.
BlackOmega
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 10:27 p.m.
I can't believe people are complaining about what this woman is doing on HER property. What business is it of yours what this woman does? It's not, mind your own dang business and leave this woman alone! This is a free country (supposedly), and you have the inalienable right to do with your things as you see fit.
Nicholas Urfe
Mon, May 20, 2013 : 1:24 a.m.
@BO: the person complaining is a divorce lawyer.
a2citizen
Mon, May 20, 2013 : midnight
I assume you're new to oz?
jcj
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 11:53 p.m.
Usual Surely you have your tongue in your cheek. But if not, people have a right to complain and a right to complain about the complainers!
Usual Suspect
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 11:20 p.m.
What business is it of yours if we complain about this? it's not, mind your own dang business and leave us alone. This is a free country.
jcj
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 10:47 p.m.
Well not completely! If their were old junk cars sitting around, if they did not cut the grass, even if the house was an eyesore. But it is not.
Detached Observer
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 10:17 p.m.
This kind of thing is the norm in third world countries. People build their houses a little at a time as they can afford materials. They do this because they can't get a mortgage that would allow them to build all at once. With the coming third-worldization of America, we will be seeing a lot more of this. I suggest people get used to it and learn to live and let live.
Nicholas Urfe
Mon, May 20, 2013 : 1:23 a.m.
Some people choose not to have a mortgage by choice. Or maybe such a debt is against their religion. Stuff about usury. I think it's even in the Bible.
jcj
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 10:08 p.m.
I took the time to drive by the house and it does NOT stand out from the other houses on the street. The Kelly's should take a chill pill!
bigbear
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 9:56 p.m.
As a Master Gardner and work with feeding families in need I have met and talked with both Jim and Cindy often. Both voluntary in excess food distribution to the poor and assistance for families and elderly gardeners. Jim went to Annapolis for a year and then after completing his freshman year decided to leave and follow his dreams and is the most gentle and kind person I know. An innovative engineer that looks at problems differently and strives to minimize his footprint on the resources of the earth. Cindy also is a quiet and gentle Master Gardner that looks to reuse and recycle all resources. They are artists in a way as they are creating "their" gift to themselves and city with a extremely energy efficient home that has minimum negative affect to the environment. The complaints lodged are quite petty and limited to the divorce lawyer neighbor two houses west and yet, their property is indistinguishable from any other home on the block. The home is in compliance with code so really, Ann Arborites should honor the rugged individualism of the quiet, caring people, and earth friendly construction. Wait, they are paying their taxes, they are not bothering any one, and who cares how long it takes to finish THEIR interior as long as the exterior is in compliance and later the interior is inspected and in compliance. It is not occupied so who's real loss is this? Re-Read the article and what are they trying to do with their own property. Do a drive by and see if this house is the worst house on the block and then ask your self why the rich divorce lawyer two doors down is the only one filling complaints. Jim and Cindy are role models for what Ann Arbor is about. People that care about the environment, want to assist other families in need, pay their taxes, and in general just want to be left alone. Let's be AMERICANs again and allow all people to pursue THEIR happiness as long as it is within code and compliance for the city, which it is.
a2citizen
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 10:10 p.m.
Actually, the satellite view from googlemaps does not paint a very pretty picture of the kelly house. Talk about aesthetically unappealing.
J K
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 9:47 p.m.
Nice looking home from the outside, wonderful characteristics - recycled materials and efficiency, etc. Lots of heart put into the building of the home. Also nice that the Building Department is willing to work with homeowners that are building their own home on their own with limited experience. That said, do we all get a pass from the Building Department if we are nice people and build our homes with recycled materials? At least this home doesn't have a "handrail" made of pipe running down the side of the driveway like in our neighborhood. That homeowner claims she needs it for ADA reasons, but it clearly doesn't comply with any ADA design standards. Highly unlikely it's used much anyways as the trees next to it have started to engulf it.
CynicA2
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 9:29 p.m.
This neighborhood will be what it has always been - transitional. From what, and to what has always been something of a mystery, as it has steadfastly resisted the assorted standard pigeon-holes. Always a study in contrasts, it will probably never be whatever the newer gentry expected it to be, and quirky oddballs like this homebuilder will remain long after the gentrifiers have packed-up their BMWs and moved-on.
CynicA2
Mon, May 20, 2013 : 4:47 a.m.
Great! Please do... a little of this, a little of that... throw it at the proverbial wall, and what sticks, stays - kind of like it always has.
pbehjatnia
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 11:43 p.m.
sorry cynic. me and my fancy foreign car are staying.
Olive
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 8:44 p.m.
A friend just said the other day that Ann Arbor is becoming sanitized. She was right.
Olive
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 8:46 p.m.
....becoming too sanitized......
Mad Max
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 8:30 p.m.
Good for the Kelly's to get the building department to address this disaster of a home. If it takes high powered attorneys to get something accomplished, maybe the City of Ann Arbor should hire the Kelly & Kelly law firm to address all the downtown issues.
pbehjatnia
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 7:49 p.m.
keesan sounds like an awful and disrespectful neighbor: 30 years?!?! what is she thinking? and "it's turned into a gentrified area...?" translation: i thought the area was and would remain poor so i could freely make my mess. what i'd love to know though is who the kellys are friends with at city hall? really. there are quite a few horrible, decades long standing eyesores in this area that - from the outside - are much worse than keesan's deplorable mess. why isn't the city paying attention to those???
justcurious
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 6:44 p.m.
Sorry, now this is ridiculous......... ""I had never built a house. I know nothing about building houses," said Keesan, a professional translator. "Jim taught me how to use a hammer and a saw. We were using hand tools for the first few years until we got the house enclosed. We did the whole outside of it with hand tools." No power tools???
sindikeesan
Tue, May 21, 2013 : 3:29 p.m.
Hand saws and hammers to frame it. Jim did use a screwgun to put up the Durock cement board siding base. The noisiest parts were the two days of trenching and the two weeks of professional roofers with power nailers and crimpers. The two noise complaints referred to were (1) pulling a few nails with a hammer on the porch - we moved inside when the neighbors called the police (2) claimed use of power tools when we were using hand screwdrivers. Jim did occasionally cut a board with a power saw on the porch after the house was enclosed and we had power, for a few years. Neighbors with power mowers make far more noise.
Usual Suspect
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 8:06 p.m.
Power tools cause pollution, silly.
a2citizen
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 6:25 p.m.
Reminds me of an old "Willy and Ethel" comic strip... Ethel: "Willy, you remember 10 years ago when I asked you to paint the kitchen?" Willy: "Yes" Ethel: "Willy, do you remember 5 years ago when you asked me what color I wanted the kitchen painted? Willy: "Listen Ethel, if you changed your mind on the color don't worry, I haven't bought the paint yet."
Ryan J. Stanton
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 5:24 p.m.
Just for fun, here's a list of things that were going on in the world in 1986 when this project started: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1986 On the list: The United Kingdom and France announce plans to construct the Channel Tunnel (it began operating in 1994). What were you guys doing in 1986? I was 4 years old, so I don't have any cool stories of my own to tell.
RunsWithScissors
Mon, May 20, 2013 : 1:24 p.m.
I can't remember what I was doing in '86, but in '89 I was watching the movie "The 'Burbs" and laughing everytime the contractor would say "Two weeks" when asked how long it would take to finish [insert project name here] on the house.
metrichead
Mon, May 20, 2013 : 1:21 a.m.
I was playing with transformers in 1986. Not the toys, actual transformer boxes. My dad thought it would be a great joke. Happy 6th birthday to me, I guess.
a2citizen
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 6:27 p.m.
I doubt the original plans included being wired for the internet, either.
BHarding
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 6:09 p.m.
In about 1993, I finally had it together to construct a big addition to my house. It went smoothly, I acted as the contractor and hired different people for different phases. But, I was told in had to be finished in a very short time. I didn't know about extensions. I wish I'd taken longer and put up nice wood paneling inside, instead of drywall. I took shortcuts because of the time constraint.My biggest mistake was putting a skylight on the south-facing roof. Happy about the skylight on the north side, though.
Vivienne Armentrout
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 5:43 p.m.
I moved to Ann Arbor. We drove in from California on March 6, just after a snowstorm. Couldn't figure out why the natives all seemed to be in such a bad mood.
Terry Reilly
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 4:53 p.m.
Good grief. Get it done. Cool to be cost effective, use reclaimed materials and all that, but 30+ years in process? it is likely testing the patience of the most tolerant of neighbors Cripes, I get impatient with myself when it takes me two weeks to put a stinkin' raised bed together let alone build a house. But I could have finished it easily in 20 years!.
Dave
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 4:48 p.m.
You do not need separate meters to do time of day rate. It is all done with one meter now. I have it. If I were the city I'd give them 60 days to wrap this up or board it up and condemn it. What an awful project. I'd get tired of living next to this, too.
Billy
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 4:45 p.m.
"Keesan said she hasn't kept track of how much money she's put into the house, but she guesses maybe $50,000." So I worked for a guy who built houses for a living, and I personally looked at all the financial records and saw costs on materials. That was roughly his cost in materials for a 4000/sqft Mc.Mansion house built in 2002. Add in multiple laborers and a tradesmen or two and obviously the costs go much higher. There's no excuse for this house taking this long to be built. There is a distinct lack of trying to finish the house going on here. I read that they spent months wiring the house....a professional does it in a single day...so you should be able to handle it in a week or less. If you don't have the time because you're working a lot...why don't you have the money to finish the project then? Something is very wrong here if they are taking this long to finish the house...and I would put a lot of money down that it's because they aren't TRYING to finish the house.
sindikeesan
Tue, May 21, 2013 : 3:23 p.m.
I found a website stating average materials cost is about $40/square foot. The house is 960 square feet heatable space (no basement). There was no labor cost until this year (now that Jim does not think it is safe to go to the house) except for trenching the footing, and the metal roof. The house is consuming much more time than money. I will let Ryan tell you about the custom wiring or come see it for yourself.
DJBudSonic
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 5:20 p.m.
You forget that we live in America, where one is free to do as they please, as long it does no harm to others. They are not offering excuses, and you should not be asking for one.
Themadcatter
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 4:16 p.m.
There is more to this story than just an unconventional house taking over 30 years to build. It is what has transpired since the Kelly's purchased their house two doors down that is of interest. I tried to expose some missing info. but my post was immediately removed. So, don't be quick to condemn Keenan in her building passion. Look into what is motivating the Kelly's to complain and ultimately the inspiration behind this article being written.
Laura Jones
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 8:14 p.m.
You should contact Ryan Stanton, the author, and give him an update so he can verify it and publish for everyone to read.
PineyWoodsGuy
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 4:05 p.m.
Voila! Ann Arbor's answer to Detroit's Heidelberg Project! www.heidelberg.org
Tesla
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 3:49 p.m.
I want to hate this project. I want to hate thats it's taken the better part of my life. I want to hate the people building it. I just can't. They seem like nice people. Quirky recorder players? For sure. Maybe they could garner some volunteer help from the locals as a result of this article and everyone wins???? Just thinkin out loud.
jcj
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 10:02 p.m.
joejoeblow Have you seen the house? Not a photo,the house. It looks fine from the outside! Not hurting anyone. I suspect some of those complaining are the ones in the neighborhood that never cut their grass.
joejoeblow
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 6:13 p.m.
Come on, it's been 10,000 days. They don't want this project finished, it's who they are. Do you really think it takes 3 decades to build a house if you really want it done?
Guffee
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 5 p.m.
What a shame the Kellys, so new to the neighborhood and likely out of touch with the feelings of their neighbors, have raised such a ruckus about this delightful project.
dancinginmysoul
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 3:37 p.m.
This is absurd on so many levels. I wish I had the kind of money I could rent an apartment and "build" my house in Ann Arbor for 30 years. A soundproof house? If you don't want to hear noise, don't live in Water Hill.
sindikeesan
Tue, May 21, 2013 : 3:18 p.m.
The soundproofing is to keep out the noise of traffic cutting through between Huron and Main, power mowers, construction equipment, and the football banner planes that were flying about 100' overhead for a few years on their way between a farmer's field to the north and the stadium. See Ryan's future second article for details or stop by and take a look before the walls are done.
BHarding
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 4:03 p.m.
It doesn't sound like she is rolling in money, she's been working on it constantly herself and with friends using a lot of recycled materials. By the way, did you consider that the soundproofing might be out of consideration for her neighbors? She's a musician, and has musician friends. Very nice of her to soundproof.
OLDTIMER3
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 3:30 p.m.
There was a house on the East side of North bound 23 between Dundee and AA for so long that is has collapsed. Don't know the reason there.
smb
Mon, May 20, 2013 : 5:09 p.m.
Thanks for posting all this information about that house down in Dundee. I've passed that house many times on the way to Splash Universe or traveling out of state. I've always wondered about it and it came to mind while I was reading this article too. Didn't realize it had collapsed though. Not surprising. It was just a matter of time.
mpope
Mon, May 20, 2013 : 1:23 a.m.
here's a picture of the Dundee/Azalia place. googling, i come upon the most plausible story: a concrete paving scammer and his brother started construction until they were busted and moved out of state (a recurring theme for them.) http://abnf.co/MI-michigan_abandoned_house_azalia/IMG_1988.JPG
mpope
Mon, May 20, 2013 : 12:56 a.m.
i lived in dundee for more than 23 years and i passed that house almost every day traveling rt 23 to shopping, work, church etc. that house stood there, in the field off 23, untouched, the whole time. many small-town legends surrounded its dereliction. my thought: once the builder/ owner learned he was building in the polluted stench stream of the dundee cement company, he closed up shop and walked away. (who ever heard of a retirement dream happening in a field hugging the milan/ dundee borders, anyway?) abandonment is the core difference between these two properties. the construction at 512 Felch Street was never abandoned, never left to fall apart on its own, and seems never to have been a magnet for shadow-skulking ne'er do wells and vandals. and since the exterior has been completed, any complaints of 'dangerous eye sore' would seem to have expired.
Steven Taylor
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 11:36 p.m.
Either story could be true, but either way, the owner never got past the initial framing, and only within the last 2 years did the walls finally collapse to the elements. The 40 acre or so parcel does have a for sale sign posted and visible from the freeway.
Jim H
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 10:36 p.m.
The story I heard: The owner broke ground and started construction, then tried to obtain financing. Wrong sequence, no one would finance the partially complete project house. May have been other factors involved of which I am unaware.
LauraM
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 7:07 p.m.
Years ago, a coworker of mine who lived in Milan told me that a couple started that house as their retirement dream home and the wife was hit by a car and killed in front of it and the husband never went back. I have never found any verification of this but have no reason to believe he was making it up.
dading dont delete me bro
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 3:26 p.m.
"...she wants it: low-maintenance," really? guess she won't want to maintain it when it's finally done?
Steven Taylor
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 11:35 p.m.
At the risk of sounding crass, at this rate, she'll be moved into an old folks home before this eco friendly house is finished.
Ryan J. Stanton
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 3:37 p.m.
She has a roof that she won't have to worry about replacing, walls that apparently won't need repainting, etc. Stuff like that.
Ryan J. Stanton
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 3:08 p.m.
In case anyone is interested, Keesan is president of the Ann Arbor Recorder Society, which is having its annual spring concert at 3 p.m. June 9 at St. Andrews Church on Division Street. http://a2recordersociety.org/Special_Events.html If you went to the Water Hill Music Fest this year, you might have noticed some of the players performing Renaissance music on her porch.
Ryan J. Stanton
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 7:35 p.m.
Correction: she now tells me she's the secretary.
Stan Hyne
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 3:03 p.m.
If the house looks finished on the outside, it shouldn't be anyones concern what the interior is like. Everyone needs a hobby and this is theirs.
ThinkingOne
Wed, May 22, 2013 : 11:15 p.m.
Stan You are the one who said the inside should be no one's concern. NO ONE'S CONCERN - to me you are implying the city and their inspectors and everyone in general.. If you mean no one but the inspectors than you should say so. I can't read your mind that no one doesn't include everyone.
Dirty Mouth
Mon, May 20, 2013 : 12:36 p.m.
Well stated Stan.
jcj
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 9:57 p.m.
Thinkingone? What is it you don't get about inspections? There is NO reason to believe the house is not safe to work on. Not one person has said they should be able ti LIVE in it until it passes a c/o inspection! You are beating a horse that does not exist!
ThinkingOne
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 3:43 p.m.
Safety is everyone's concern. They admit they know very little about house construction. Just getting the outside done is no reason to believe that anything done inside is going to be safe. You would feel differently if you lived next door to admitted amateurs building a house, and other people said that the city should no longer inspect the house because the outside is done. Someone's safety shouldn't be at the mercy of people's hobbies when there are clear-cut safety standards for what their 'hobby' entails, just because you can't see the violations while on the outside.
cibachrome
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 2:58 p.m.
Well it sure looks like they are in the 'home stretch' of the project, and it looks to me to be a plus for the neighborhood architecture (compared to the 'homely' residences nearby). But, I can tell you from experience with my parents that it will NEVER be finished unless they get some help from 'finishers' (people who can complete a job). This probably isn't about money as much as the mental health issue of micromanaging resources at the molecular level. And, it may already be deteriorating as the pix in the video show. I suggest some volunteer help from locals with abilities with wiring, HVAC, wallboarding and painting. Otherwise, she won't live long enough to see her dream home come to life. Habitat for Humanity maybe?? UofM Architechture students? Holmes on Homes HGTV ?
Cendra Lynn
Mon, May 20, 2013 : 7:31 p.m.
Process and goal are two different things. Those who go for goals are often in a rush. Those who go for process never are. We cannot change which type we are (See Meyers-Briggs) so we need to learn to live with the other type.
HeimerBoodle
Mon, May 20, 2013 : 2:42 p.m.
Very good point. The folks working on this project are clearly constant tinkerers who will never be done, because regardless of what they may tell the city, being done is not the point. Anyone who really wanted a livable home would have either finished or given up long ago. It's like the guy who always has a car in a quasi-unassembled state in his garage, or the person who collects appliances to fix up.
Halter
Mon, May 20, 2013 : 10:04 a.m.
This is dead on. Everything about it smacks of that and an unwillingness to let outside help in, but disordered thinking for sure.
Linda Peck
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 2:43 p.m.
Every once in a while, I go by Felch Street just to see the progress on this wonderful house. It has been exciting to watch. It is great to see the recycled materials put to excellent use, and they look good, too. Works of art take time to create.
mkm17
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 2:42 p.m.
Everyone has made good points here. The only thing I would add is that someone recently moving into a neighborhood has just as many rights as someone who has lived in the neighborhood for 20 years. The comment about the "Johnny-come-latelies moving in and then telling someone else what to do on their own property, who has owned it for thirty years" is not logical or valid. In my HOA, members who violate ordinances and bylaws often defend themselves by saying: "But I've lived here for (ten, twenty...) years!"
Cendra Lynn
Mon, May 20, 2013 : 7:29 p.m.
Wrong. You choose the kind of neighborhood you wish to live in. If you don't like the ambiance after you've moved in, too bad. You should have chosen more carefully. The older neighbors DO get more of a vote because that's the way it is. Ordinances can't govern attitudes. Check the attitudes before you put your money down.
Steve Bean
Mon, May 20, 2013 : 4 p.m.
OLDTIMER3, taxes pay for services and infrastructure provided, presumably. If the services and infrastructure aren't used, the city isn't missing out on anything. Asking the owners to pay above the current value of the home would be asking them to subsidize other residents. It's like the argument that more buildings in the downtown will bring more property tax revenues. Unless the city (or DDA) is operating a scam on residents, those revenues would only go to support the new buildings, not some pipe dream project. Only the presence of the occupants would have a net beneficial economic impact due to their activities. Property values might rise, but then that would trigger a decision about lowering the millage rate. The cost of living might increase, especially if the millage remained at the same level.
OLDTIMER3
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 3:27 p.m.
I agree with eyeheart, It is just like city people moving in to the country next to farmers then complaining about the smell. The city on the other hand has been losing tax money. A home under construction isn't taxed at full value until completed is my understanding.
mkm17
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 3:23 p.m.
Good point, EyeHeartA2! We have those in our HOA as well...
EyeHeartA2
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 2:51 p.m.
To a point, yes. The more typical is somebody who move to a lake and complains about the duck hunting. or Moves next to a kennel and complains about the dog. or Moves next to a freeway and complains about the noise. or Moves next to a bar and complains about the crowd.
Think!
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 2:32 p.m.
I have owned a home in this neighborhood for 23 years. I have watched progress on Keesan's home with great interest. I never deemed it an eyesore. It's been one of many funky mysteries in what is now known as Water Hill. It really fits in this eclectic neighborhood. On the other hand, trouble making lawyers who build in this neighborhood thinking they will make it bend to their notions of what a home should be and how quickly the work should be done will end up miserable. My advice to the Kellys, if they want to peacefully and happily exist in this Water Hill is to breathe, get to know your neighbors, and realize you don't control other people's lives. And why would you want to? Stop picking on your neighbors. It will just frustrate you in the end and what good will that do you?
Dirty Mouth
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 2:26 p.m.
This is a clear case of well-intentioned homeowners getting in way over their heads. Perhaps, now is the time to asked for donations or to throw in the towel?
EyeHeartA2
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 2:22 p.m.
Video is a hoot: 1:10 in - "After which I can take my time finishing the second floor." I'll just let that one speak for itself.
DJBudSonic
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 2:10 p.m.
I do contracting work and customers always ask me 'Is it hard to work with the building department?" My answer is always the same, and it is born out in this story - it is no problem, the inspectors are professionals and reasonable, who don't go looking to harass people. Otherwise, how could this go on for 30 years? Pull the permit, pay the fee, and do the work. It is only when a neighbor complains that they are forced to crack down. As long as there is no obvious public safety hazard, and the final product meets or exceeds the code, a C/O will be issued. As for the complaining neighbor, I cannot imagine what was their cause to have nightmares, the article says they have only been there a few years. There are many, much worse houses in town.
mhirzel
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 2:06 p.m.
I had the very distinct privilege of living immediately next door to Jim Deigert for 13 years. We greatly missed many aspects of that neighborhood once we moved to Burns Park, but none so much as the experience of being Jim's neighbor. As Jim's neighbors, we delighted in his many imaginative and astonishingly innovative projects. Beyond his work, Jim was always right there when we had any technical problem with our house, offering the simplest, easiest solution – always gratis - for things that would have otherwise confounded us., not to mention, cost us dearly, had someone else "helped" us. My fondest memory is of the occasion when my, then, 5 year old son and his (older, ethically challenged) friend, took a baseball bat to a rare hosta plant in Jim's yard. I was ready to ground the boy for life, when Jim calmly stepped in and turned the episode into a learning experience for the boys, giving them an ingenious, highly appropriate opportunity to make reparations. I know enough about Jim's character to know that in any "altercation" with a neighbor, the neighbor had to be the aggressor, Jim the victim. While Ann Arborites talk the talk about "living lightly on this planet," Jim and Sindi have been walking that path for years. Unconventional? Absolutely! And, that is precisely why we should be applauding, supporting and learning from people Like Jim and Sindi, not censuring and harassing them. To John and Michele Kelly, my condolences for your self-inflicted, inestimable loss of opportunity. This one's especially for you: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzVTJwpUrHM
ligrasp
Sat, May 25, 2013 : 3:57 p.m.
You found absolutely the perfect response by citing the Pinkwater book, The Big Orange Splot. A wonderful way to defuse the self-righteous anger some people were demonstrating!
Steve Bean
Mon, May 20, 2013 : 3:47 p.m.
Sindi and Jim have also spent hundreds of hours (maybe over a thousand by now) pulling garlic mustard in Eberwhite Woods over the past 10 years or so in order to protect the native wildflowers there. When I coordinated the efforts to restore the woods, I was always impressed by their devotion to it.
BHarding
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 5:59 p.m.
Wow, thanks for the sweet link!
DBH
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 2:05 p.m.
This story reminded me of Eldin Bernecky, Murphy Brown's house painter.
Ron Torrella
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 5:45 p.m.
That made me laugh out loud. Good observation.
operabethie
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 3:08 p.m.
Thank you for a much needed laugh in what is sure to be a nasty thread of comments on both sides!
roiwhite
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 2:01 p.m.
The Kellys have only been there for a couple of years and they're complaining and getting PPO's? Take your time Keesan lol... Make your house the way you want it!
BHarding
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 1:50 p.m.
I've been watching this house transform over the years, and I love what they've done. If you want a cookie-cutter look, this neighborhood is not for you, anyway. How many people do you know who actually have built their own house? If Ms. Keesan needs physical help to get that 1st floor done, there are plenty of neighbors willing to lend a hand, she could just put a sign in her yard: Free Help Needed. LOVE the roof!
Kyle Mattson
Tue, May 21, 2013 : 3:43 p.m.
You can take either route Sindi. The latter may be easier so you don't spend all day answering questions. If you have more formal information you'd like to communicate to Ryan please feel free to send it his way.
sindikeesan
Tue, May 21, 2013 : 3:13 p.m.
Thanks for the idea, but there is not much unskilled work left to do. Anyone want to help with plumbing? I could use help mixing plaster this weekend (3:30 to midnight Sun-Tue). In the fall or spring I could use a few people to help dig up the back yard and replant the ground cover that Jim removed when he reversed the slope to keep water out of my crawlspace after the new neighbors two houses uphill built or paved most of their property. The roof was in the Nickel Development quarterly magazine in the same issue as the Chrysler building, in the 90s, and attracted helicopters for a while. Does anyone actually read replies to old comments or should I post a new comment at the end?
linuxtuxguy
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 1:08 p.m.
Sindi Keesan is one of the nicest people I know, and while sometimes a bit unconventional has accomplished some surprising things. Her garden is probably the most impressive I have ever seen!
Brad
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 11:35 p.m.
Well that is a different thing entirely. It appears that they can be excused via the double-secret nice people/nice garden exception.
Usual Suspect
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 7:58 p.m.
Maybe a little more time spent home0building and less time spent gardening would have been a good idea.
Ryan J. Stanton
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 1:54 p.m.
Yes, the garden is quite lively and full of variety. She and her partner also have quite extensive backgrounds when it comes to their involvement in the community and sustainability efforts. I'm hoping I can include more of that in a followup story when they get their certificate of occupancy.
smokeblwr
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 12:55 p.m.
This is fascinating. One the one hand using all the recycled materials and custom construction is cool...but if it is going to take 30 years of your life away to get to that point is it really worth it? Going forward perhaps the city needs to establish a deadline for occupancy of a dwelling after initial construction begins? It would seem if you can't get it done in less than 5 years you're in over your head.
bill s
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 3:47 p.m.
Building a house in a older developed neighborhood is not a project or a hobby. The builders should be respectful and behave responsibly to the neighbors. Having done this a few times, I can tell you that simply based on what I saw in the video, the disorganized interior workspace speaks volumes on the cause of this 30 year job.
Craig Lounsbury
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 1:13 p.m.
I tend to agree. But I would be happy with the outside completed in a reasonable time so the neighbors see a finished product from the street. It does take a certain something I don't have to stick with it that long....or let it stretch out that long.
Craig Lounsbury
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 12:54 p.m.
Now that the house is virtually done on the outside the time for the city to be concerned is long since passed. If it looks like a finished product from the sidewalk it should be none of the neighbors concern what it looks like on the inside. I would like to check the paint scheme in John and Michele Kelly's house to be sure I approve.
ThinkingOne
Wed, May 22, 2013 : 11:21 p.m.
'Now that the house is virtually done on the outside the time for the city to be concerned is long since passed.' That's a quote from you Craig in your original post. Quite different than what you are saying in later replies: 'Faulty wring or improper HVAC should be caught by the routine inspections they get. Again they are getting inspections for each phase. No where does the article suggest otherwise.' No, the article does not suggest they are not getting inspections, but your original post definitely says that 'the time for the city to be concerned is long since passed'. Should the city do the inspections, or not? Has the time passed, or not?
Craig Lounsbury
Mon, May 20, 2013 : 1:18 a.m.
Steven Taylor, the Thomson block is nothing more than 1 1/2 walls with no roof. Surely you can see a difference? And as i said the city expressing concern at this late date is questionable at best. The structure is secure from the elements and is, for all practical purposes a visibly 'finished product" from the outside. That cannot be remotely said about Thompson street. Further more if the city had expressed outrage at the lack of progress on Fletch street in 1991 I would defend their concern. But now its too late, the structure is sound. Not so for Thompson street. So my logic is not as you portray.
Steven Taylor
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 11:29 p.m.
By your logic all the people complaining about the Thompson Block in Ypsi just being an empty shell currently can stuff it... If these folks can have 30 years to finish this eco friendly/reclaimed/procrastinators dream... Then Beal can take a year or two..
jcj
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 9:21 p.m.
Thinkingone? I did not see ANY indication they were living there or entertaining guest there! It is the cities responsibility to see that it is safe BEFORE any of the off the wall hypothetical s you mention happen. You comments have no bearing on reality!
Craig Lounsbury
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 6:12 p.m.
To add to my comment what is your point? Because faulty work is off the table, unless the city inspectors are incompetent. Is that your allegation? Are you saying the city inspectors are not doing their job?
Craig Lounsbury
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 6:09 p.m.
they have pulled permits and had inspections all along the way. Faulty wring or improper HVAC should be caught by the routine inspections they get. Again they are getting inspections for each phase. No where does the article suggest otherwise.
ThinkingOne
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 3:35 p.m.
It would certainly be their neighbor's concern if faulty wiring caused a fire. Or if they had company over and a wrongly vented furnace or fireplace asphyxiated them. Yes, 'virtually done on the outside' is a great standard to uphold for any building. Almost all major buildings built around here are 'virtually done on the outside' long before anyone can say they are safe. Often the goal of builders is to get the outside done first, so that there can be an enclosed area to do the inside work in poor weather. Should permits be issued here when it is 'virtually done on the outside'? Hardly any kind of comparison to say an occupancy permit is related to paint colors.
Brad
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 12:15 p.m.
It couldn't be under construction in "Water Hill" since 1986 - that neighborhood didn't exist then. It was known by the original "Spring Hill" name.
Halter
Mon, May 20, 2013 : 9:58 a.m.
I lived a few houses down from here for 7 years. I never heard the neighborhood called anything but "mayorville" since all the street names are ex-mayors.
A2anon
Mon, May 20, 2013 : 12:39 a.m.
I've lived in this neighborhood for 11 years now, and before it was Water Hill, I had never heard it called anything at all, not even by the realtors. Whatever it was in some registry book somewhere is irrelevant. Everyone I know in this hood is happy to have a name, as it adds to community building in ways previously unseen. It has been widely accepted and embraced. It's not a 17 story building. You might embrace this tiny little bit of happy change.
Brad
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 12:52 p.m.
I don't get it. Wrong fence = big deal. Changing historic neighborhood name = yeah, whatever.
Arboriginal
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 12:31 p.m.
It will always be Spring Hill.
RUKiddingMe
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 12:09 p.m.
I was SO relieved to see this wasn't a city-funded or Affordable Husing project. Because in this city, that was certainly a possibility. I can sympathize with things taking a long time; took me and my wife about 5 years to complete one room, and that was not a complete build either. She works and goes to school, and I have 2 jobs, so getting things done when you can is rough. But...30 years... The picture of this place suredoesn't look like soething to be demolished with funds. Did I read right that $20,000 was GRANTED for demolition of this SPECIFIC property? Who's in charge of granting that money? Is there any kind of validation process?
fjord
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 12:07 p.m.
There's simply no excuse for taking this long to build a house. I don't care how energy-efficient it is.
amlive
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 12:03 p.m.
I live in this neighborhood, walk by this house every day on my way to work, and all I can say is that the neighbors who are bothered by this need to move in to a condo or gated community where they belong. It's never been an eyesore or 'blight' in the slightest, and most passing by would never even guessnot was unoccupied. At it's worst it had plastic tacked around the porch windows, appearing somewhere between under construction or a winterized porch that was never reopened for summer. Some snooty folks just need to mind their own business and let everyone else live their own lives. This isn't a blight or bother, just something that rubbed some of the more priveledged class now populating the neighborhood the wrong way. These are the kind of intrusive controlling property rights issues that can drive a good socialist to turn Republican.
HeimerBoodle
Mon, May 20, 2013 : 1:38 p.m.
I live a few blocks away from this house and have driven and walked by it for years. Until reading this, I and had no idea it was "under construction". Now I can't say what it would be like to live right next door, but from an outside perspective it certainly never struck me as blight (honestly, there are a number of houses in that area that look a lot worse from the street).
maggierice
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 11:40 a.m.
Just curious: Did the reporter for this story determine the tax base that the builders of the house have been paying to the City of Ann Arbor for the past 27 years? Are they taxed at the same rate as their neighbors? Or is there a special tax exemption if your home is still deemed to be "under construction"? Would really like to know the answer to this question.
Jay Thomas
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 11:58 p.m.
They pay taxes on the land. Lots of places don't make developers pay when the house is fully constructed (not until someone buys it).
a2citizen
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 6:16 p.m.
A2 property tax info is available on line. http://www.a2gov.org/GOVERNMENT/FINANCEADMINSERVICES/ASSESSOR/Pages/OnLineDisclamier.aspx
Billy
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 4:39 p.m.
So they're not paying their fair share of taxes even...
Chimay
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 12:07 p.m.
The taxes are just over $1,600 per year and they've been paid.
B2Pilot
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 11:45 a.m.
I thought the same thing no C.O. no tax bill to pay
John Gotts
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 11:40 a.m.
There is no affordable housing in Ann Arbor, so you will have situations like this. I seriously doubt that there has been continuous construction noise for 25 years. This is a woman who so wants to live in this city that she's spent all of her adult life building a house here. Now that she is 62, she will be able to retire in peace. I'm proud of her effort. That's persistence!
TB
Mon, May 20, 2013 : 3:53 p.m.
This has nothing to do with affordable housing. She rented an apartment the entire time she's been building it. The people who qualify for "affordable housing" are not people who have enough money to rent an apartment while purchasing a plot of land and building a house
joejoeblow
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 6:09 p.m.
Persistence, it's laziness! Come on, she's had almost 10,000 days to finish the project. I doubt she's even spent 1% of the time working on the house. At one screw a day for 10,000 days, she's have a metal house!
thinker
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 11:26 a.m.
This puts things in perspective for those of us who've had construction next door that took 6 months or a year. This is ridiculous!
81wolverine
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 11:08 a.m.
It's all well and good to try and save some money by doing things yourself knowing that the job is going to take a little longer. But this situation is ridiculous all around. These people should not have attempted to build a house without having nearly enough funds to finish it in a reasonable amount of time. I think projects (building permits) should have hard time limits and this is definitely one of them.
Ryan J. Stanton
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 3:01 p.m.
It seems like she's getting six months to keep going each time she gets an inspection and passes. She told me today she can't predict when she will be finished ("maybe next fall, maybe next year") and she suggested Ralph Welton's hopes for early August might be wishful. She said wiring took more than two months and plumbing will probably take as long, ventilation maybe longer, and there's still more framing, more wallboard, etc., to be done.
Sunshine26
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 10:55 a.m.
To the Neighbors of this on going project and to the citizens of Ann Arbor: My sympathy. To Ann Arbor City Planning Department: Why have you let this project go on and on?
Brad
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 11:21 p.m.
It has been said that "we do it up different". Why they said that I can't tell you.
joejoeblow
Sun, May 19, 2013 : 6:08 p.m.
This is Ann Arbor, were doing things differently is the norm.