Historic Palmer Woods home burns down, owner committed to restoration

The owner of an historic home in Detroit's Palmer Woods says he plans to restore the century-old home after it caught fire early Wednesday morning.

The home on Balmoral near 7 Mile and Woodward, north of Palmer Park, started some time before 7 a.m. When crews arrived, flames were shooting out of the roof of the house.

The nearly 100-year-old mansion caught fire on Wednesday. Fortunately, nobody was inside but Deputy Fire Chief Daniel Clapp said the nature of the home made it difficult to get in and find the fire.

"Due to the nature of the way the building was designed, it was difficult to find the fire. At that point, the roof started to collapse, and the Battalion made the call To get everybody out for the safety of the firefighters," Clapp said.

The owner of the 9,000-square foot home and his family were sleeping in the carriage house as renovations were being done. He's owned the home for about a year and, despite its age, is just the third owner in its 100-year-old history.

"Intriguing to be a part of the history in this neighborhood on the street," Jerlando Jackson said.

The previous owner, 95-year-old Penny Kyle, went to her old home after hearing about the fire so she could see it for herself.

Of course, there is insurance but Jackson plans to get it restored.

"We are definitely committed to restore in the house," Jackson said.

There were no injuries and the cause is still being investigated.

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