Mayor Duggan takes bus to opening day at Detroit's new Jason Hargrove Transit Center
MICHIGAN HOUSE ENVY

Photos: Kirk Gibson, Bill Ford Jr. lived in this GP Shores mansion

This stately, gated house just off Lake St. Clair was built by a retired general, then bought by Bill Ford, then Kirk Gibson. But it is the current owners who tore down walls, opened up vistas with arches and columns, built a lavish bar and a lavish ownersÕ suite.
This stately, gated house just off Lake St. Clair was built by a retired general, then bought by Bill Ford, then Kirk Gibson. But it is the current owners who tore down walls, opened up vistas with arches and columns, built a lavish bar and a lavish ownersÕ suite.
Jessica J. Trevino, Detroit Free Press
The front door is three panels wide and set into an arch Ñ all glass and wrought iron Ñ which the current owners put in.
The front door is three panels wide and set into an arch Ñ all glass and wrought iron Ñ which the current owners put in.
Jessica J. Trevino, Detroit Free Press
Beyond that is a glamorous foyer they created by taking out walls, adding a marble floor with a large marble medallion they designed and a grand crystal chandelier.
Beyond that is a glamorous foyer they created by taking out walls, adding a marble floor with a large marble medallion they designed and a grand crystal chandelier.
Jessica J. Trevino, Detroit Free Press
They even rebuilt the staircase so it swoops down in a curve.
They even rebuilt the staircase so it swoops down in a curve.
Jessica J. Trevino, Detroit Free Press
Next thereÕs a long view through the foyer to the new living room then the arched windows of the sunroom, finally the yard.
Next thereÕs a long view through the foyer to the new living room then the arched windows of the sunroom, finally the yard.
Jessica J. Trevino, Detroit Free Press
They created this view too by taking out walls, putting in columns and replacing the old sunroom walls with arching windows.
They created this view too by taking out walls, putting in columns and replacing the old sunroom walls with arching windows.
Jessica J. Trevino, Detroit Free Press
The old living room was repurposed into a new dining room big enough to hold multiple tables. They wanted the space Ñ 35 by 17 feet Ñ because they come from a large extended family.
The old living room was repurposed into a new dining room big enough to hold multiple tables. They wanted the space Ñ 35 by 17 feet Ñ because they come from a large extended family.
Jessica J. Trevino, Detroit Free Press
A fireplace in the dining room.
A fireplace in the dining room.
Jessica J. Trevino, Detroit Free Press
One coffered cherry ceiling is over the serving area and another over the liquor shelf. It was designed and built by Bruno Trentacost of Custom Design Woodwork in Clarkston.
One coffered cherry ceiling is over the serving area and another over the liquor shelf. It was designed and built by Bruno Trentacost of Custom Design Woodwork in Clarkston.
Jessica J. Trevino, Detroit Free Press
ThereÕs an especially large butlerÕs pantry with glass-front display cabinets.
ThereÕs an especially large butlerÕs pantry with glass-front display cabinets.
Jessica J. Trevino, Detroit Free Press
The owners had planned to renovate the kitchen, maybe move out a wall, but that part is still as they bought it.
The owners had planned to renovate the kitchen, maybe move out a wall, but that part is still as they bought it.
Jessica J. Trevino, Detroit Free Press
ItÕs large and sunny with white cabinetry and built-ins, tile accents and an island.
ItÕs large and sunny with white cabinetry and built-ins, tile accents and an island.
Jessica J. Trevino, Detroit Free Press
Large picture window overlooking the garden.
Large picture window overlooking the garden.
Jessica J. Trevino, Detroit Free Press
The kitchen is large and sunny with white cabinetry and built-ins, tile accents and an island.
The kitchen is large and sunny with white cabinetry and built-ins, tile accents and an island.
Jessica J. Trevino, Detroit Free Press
Breakfast room.
Breakfast room.
Jessica J. Trevino, Detroit Free Press
Library with built-in book cases and a fireplace.
Library with built-in book cases and a fireplace.
Jessica J. Trevino, Detroit Free Press
Square feet: 6,742
Square feet: 6,742
Jessica J. Trevino, Detroit Free Press
On the second floor they opened up a curving central foyer that looks straight down into the marble medallion.
On the second floor they opened up a curving central foyer that looks straight down into the marble medallion.
Jessica J. Trevino, Detroit Free Press
From here, leaded glass doors lead to the new ownerÕs suite Ñ a vestibule, a sitting room, the sleeping room, a walk-in closet and a lavish bath with a steam shower.
From here, leaded glass doors lead to the new ownerÕs suite Ñ a vestibule, a sitting room, the sleeping room, a walk-in closet and a lavish bath with a steam shower.
Jessica J. Trevino, Detroit Free Press
Sitting room in the master suite.
Sitting room in the master suite.
Jessica J. Trevino, Detroit Free Press
This ownersÕ suite includes a large corner of fine cabinets and a granite counter that looks like a second kitchen, except for having no stove. They call this the breakfast nook.
This ownersÕ suite includes a large corner of fine cabinets and a granite counter that looks like a second kitchen, except for having no stove. They call this the breakfast nook.
Jessica J. Trevino, Detroit Free Press
Master bathroom.
Master bathroom.
Jessica J. Trevino, Detroit Free Press
The lavish bath with a steam shower.
The lavish bath with a steam shower.
Jessica J. Trevino, Detroit Free Press
Bedrooms: 6
Bedrooms: 6
Jessica J. Trevino, Detroit Free Press
Bedrooms: 6
Bedrooms: 6
Jessica J. Trevino, Detroit Free Press
Baths: 4 full, 3 half
Baths: 4 full, 3 half
Jessica J. Trevino, Detroit Free Press
All bathrooms have been remodeled.
All bathrooms have been remodeled.
Jessica J. Trevino, Detroit Free Press
Exercise room.
Exercise room.
Jessica J. Trevino, Detroit Free Press
They built a large laundry room on the second floor, Ònicer than some peopleÕs kitchens,Ó the owner said.
They built a large laundry room on the second floor, Ònicer than some peopleÕs kitchens,Ó the owner said.
Jessica J. Trevino, Detroit Free Press
Had they stayed, the next projects were to move outdoors Ñ an outdoor kitchen, a pool, a mud room.
Had they stayed, the next projects were to move outdoors Ñ an outdoor kitchen, a pool, a mud room.
Jessica J. Trevino, Detroit Free Press
Now the grounds stay in their original stately form - an acre with deep trees, aged brick walls, brick patios and classic estate shade plantings - ivy, azalea, hydrangea. "It's very natural, very woodsy," she said.
Now the grounds stay in their original stately form - an acre with deep trees, aged brick walls, brick patios and classic estate shade plantings - ivy, azalea, hydrangea. "It's very natural, very woodsy," she said.
Jessica J. Trevino, Detroit Free Press
"ItÕs a fantasy land in the winter, beautiful in the fall," she said. "ItÕs beautiful in every season."
"ItÕs a fantasy land in the winter, beautiful in the fall," she said. "ItÕs beautiful in every season."
Jessica J. Trevino, Detroit Free Press
The view from the garden.
The view from the garden.
Jessica J. Trevino, Detroit Free Press
Side entrance to the garden.
Side entrance to the garden.
Jessica J. Trevino, Detroit Free Press
Bricked patio outside of the dining room.
Bricked patio outside of the dining room.
Jessica J. Trevino, Detroit Free Press
The estate starts grandly with a wrought-iron gate set in aged brick walls and a driveway that winds through a park-like setting.
The estate starts grandly with a wrought-iron gate set in aged brick walls and a driveway that winds through a park-like setting.
Jessica J. Trevino, Detroit Free Press
Key features: Stately, gated house in estate-like setting is extensively remodeled inside to open up views with walls of arched windows, expand key rooms and create sun-drenched panache.
Key features: Stately, gated house in estate-like setting is extensively remodeled inside to open up views with walls of arched windows, expand key rooms and create sun-drenched panache.
Jessica J. Trevino, Detroit Free Press