Aretha Franklin Home in Detroit to be Renovated

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One of Aretha Franklin’s Detroit properties soon will be renovated.

Anthony O. Kellum, founder and president of Troy’s Kellum Mortgage, recently purchased the late Franklin’s last available property in Detroit and plans to renovate the home beginning in January. He also plans to sell it.

The mansion was built in 1927 and is 6,200 square feet. It is located on the seventh hole of the Detroit Golf Club and features five bedrooms, six bathrooms, and a heated three-car garage with 9-foot ceilings. It was vacant for 10 years.

“It’s surreal to be working on the Queen of Soul’s house,” says Kellum. “My mother was a huge fan of hers and listened to Ms. Franklin’s music every day when I was a kid. When I walked through the property, it was an emotional experience for me.

“I see this as an opportunity to not only revitalize an iconic property in the city I love but knowing how proud my mom would be if she were still here makes this even more amazing.”

Kellum has more than 28 years of real estate experience that includes residential and commercial financing. He has rehabilitated homes in metro Detroit for 15 years.

Franklin was born in 1942 and died in August. She began her singing career as a child and was a Detroit-based singer, songwriter, civil rights activist, actress, and pianist.