Ransom Gillis House

The Ransom Gillis House is a Venetian Gothic residence in Brush Park featuring a prominent turret decorated with five rows of geometric pattern tiles. Dark wooden columns frame the porch entrance, while ornate stone carvings of flower blossoms accent the turret's foundation.

Architect Henry T. Brush designed and built this house between 1876 and 1878 during Detroit's era of wealth and growth. The building stood empty for decades before being fully restored in 2015 through a preservation initiative.

The carriage house on the property hosted Pewabic Pottery's first workshop from 1903 to 1906, marking the start of Detroit's ceramic arts tradition. This link to the craft remains an important part of the house's story.

The house is located in the Brush Park neighborhood and can be viewed from the street, with architectural details clearly visible from the sidewalk. Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the intricate details of the facade and decorative elements.

The restoration of this house resulted from a collaboration between HGTV and designer Nicole Curtis, bringing national attention to the preservation project. The work documented how a historic urban mansion could be rescued and brought back to life.

Location: Detroit

Inception: 1876

Architects: Henry T. Brush

Architectural style: Venetian Gothic architecture

GPS coordinates: 42.34400,-83.05250

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:22