Building History Question

[webband1]

Anybody know what this building used to be?

It's located at Brush and Napoleon/Winder, just north of Comerica Park and Ford Field.

As far as I can tell, the city bought it about 5-6 years ago. Any info on what it was, what the plans are moving forward, any info at all really, would be appreciated.

[MikeM]

In 1967 it was the Mississippi Barbershop.

[southofbloor]

It was photographed as part of the SHPO, Detroit Urban Conservation Project in 1976 - 2458 Brush, shown as Barlum Cleaners. Nice new Caddy...

[MikeM]

Yes, 2458 Brush [[corner of Vernor, not Winder) was Barlum Cleaners in 1967.

[the rock]

Yes, BARLUM, once a big name in Detroit. Barlum Steamship Company, Barlum Hotel and Barlum Tower. [[Cadillac Tower). And even a cleaners! Is there a Barlum street?

[Jimaz]

Is there a Barlum street?

Yes there is. I couldn't resist searching for it in Google Maps.

[EastsideAl]

Yes, BARLUM, once a big name in Detroit. Barlum Steamship Company, Barlum Hotel and Barlum Tower. [[Cadillac Tower). And even a cleaners! Is there a Barlum street?

...and the Barlum Apartments on E. Palmer near Woodward.

John J. Barlum, his brothers Thomas and John P., and his cousin, 2 time Detroit mayor William Barlum Thompson, were names to be reckoned with in Detroit in the first decades of the 20th century. They took their steamship earnings and invested them in various businesses and projects, including the development of Cadillac Square, which had been a wholesale market area. Their empire collapsed in the depression and only the name seems to remain.

[southofbloor]

Yes there is. I couldn't resist searching for it in Google Maps.

Lined with maybe 12 year old red maples [[thanks Greening of Detroit?)