Aretha Franklin’s Old Detroit Home Restored After $2M Investment

In March 1994, Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin purchased a 5,623-square-foot home in Detroit. The Rose Estate was her second home, while her primary residence was located in Bloomfield Hills. As the singer got older and her health declined, the property did as well. After Franklin died in 2018, her estate sold the home for $300,000 to a Michigan developer, who sold it to two men who recently invested more than $2 million in the house to restore the home that the “Respect” singer once owned.

According to the Detroit Free Press, Trevor Thomas and Brandon Lynum have placed their money into the restoration of the house in an attempt to return the original look and luster of the property. Not only is the pair trying to regain the look that Franklin gave it when she owned it, but they have made it into a museum celebrating the “Freeway of Love” singer.

Tours have already taken place in the house as fans of the singer have visited the place as well as nonprofit groups hosting benefit events, school tour groups, and other various functions taking place at the Rose Estate.

“People get emotional here,” Thomas said last week during a tour. “If they want to have a moment alone, we let them do that.”

Just under five years ago, Thomas and Lynum noticed the property as they lived in nearby Sherwood Forest. They got a chance to view the house up close during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Not realizing who once lived there, after doing an internet search, they discovered the house was for sale. They were able to finally buy the property last year.

They researched the property’s history by finding old news clippings and going through Franklin’s archives at the University of Michigan. They anticipate this being a five-year project and they’ve just completed the first phase. They intend to restore the home’s slate roof, third floor, and basement level, which, was gutted following major water damage.

When people visit the Rose Estate, they will see museum-style placards that detail the story of Franklin’s old residence. Photos and artwork are displayed as well as memorabilia saluting Franklin.

Franklin’s niece, Sabrina Owens complimented the men in their pursuit of restoring the home. “A rose is still a rose because of Trevor and Brandon,” she stated.

Aretha Franklin’s Old Detroit Home Restored After $2M Investment