It's the last historical home of its kind in Lansing. Once the residence of a former Governor of Michigan, and home to the Michigan Women's Historical Center and Hall of Fame, the Cooley-Haze House was built in 1903 on Malcolm-X St. It's the last mansion on that stretch that hasn't been demolished by the city or by previous homeowners.
The city's Parks and Recreation Department said Monday that a number of people are interested in buying the property from private homeowners to restaurateurs.
Veronica Gracia-Wing, the Chair of Lansing's Parks Board said that the city could not afford to maintain the historical property, so last year, the public voted to have the Cooley-Haze House sold to a private owner.
"This house has a lot of potential. It's still structurally pretty great. There are some things that need to happen TLC-wise, but with the right investor or the person that's dedicated, the team that's dedicated to its rehabilitation, I really think it can return back to its former glory," said Gracia-Wing.
The new owners will have to follow a restrictive covenant, and can't change the home's exterior in order to preserve its rich history.
Gracia-Wing said if a private owner can't be found, giving up and demolishing the home is not an option. The board will then try to tweak the proposal's criteria or expand their search nationally.
Request For Proposal/Bidding System: https://www.lansingmi.gov/1688/Cooley-Haze
