Q: I am researching a Detroit [building|structure|neighborhood]. Where can I get info about it?
A: Here are several good sources:

1. The Burton Collection in the main branch of the Detroit Public Library, 5201 Woodward Ave., phone: 313-833-1480.
2. A bigger library with books such as The Buildings of Detroit: A History by W. Hawkins Ferry and History of Detroit and Wayne County and Early Michigan by Silas Farmer.
3. The Detroit Historic Designation Advisory Board in the City/County Building, Room 204., phone is 313-224-3487.
4. Charlie Hyde of the Wayne State University History Department.
5. The non-profit group Preservation Wayne has an archive.
6. The State of Michigan Archives and Historic Center in Lansing.
7. The Michigan State Historic Preservation Office, phone: 517-373-1630

• Crain's loft guide
• UCCA's apartment & loft guide
• Detroit Urban Living
• Google: Detroit lofts
• Google: Detroit houses for sale

Q: I have bought an old house in the city. Can I get money to help me fix it up?
A: There is something called a 203(K) mortgage that is kind of a "fixer-upper" mortgage that includes money for rehab. There are Citizen Distric Councils (CDC's) for various neighbhorhoods in the city (Corktown, Grandmont/Rosedale, etc.). The CDC's help facilitate revitalization in those areas, and may be able to provide additional information.

Q: I would like to buy an old, vacant house or building in Detroit for cheap, fix it up, make Detroit a better place, and make some money. Can I buy those from the city?
The city's nusance abatement program was ended on July of 2004. The Planning & Development Dept (P&DD) sells some city owned properties. They release a "bid list" on the second Wednesday of the month. The Web site is P&DD, Real Estate, Bid List or in person at the P&DD Welcome Center on the 2nd floor at 65 Cadillac Square, downtown Detroit (phone: 313-628-0199).