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Hancock’s Downtown Development Authority is working with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and a foundation tied to a world-famous artistic organization to improve the Celtic House on Hancock Street. The DDA officially endorsed a grant opportunity for the property.
The historic structure is set to be revitalized in a mixed-use capacity, says manager Mary Babcock.
Also known as the Perry House, it was the childhood home of Mary Chase Perry. Born in 1867, she was a cofounder of Pewabic Pottery in Detroit at the turn of the century. The facility quickly became a hotbed for artisans and is now designated a National Historic Landmark. She worked with Horace Caulkins to utilize his patented high temperature kilns. The new process created a characteristic high sheen glaze that caught the eye of the rest of the country.
From the exterior of Comerica Park to skyscrapers like the Guardian Building, even in public transportation, pewabic tiles can be found throughout the Motor City. They helped to define art deco architecture there.
The potential Revitalization and Placemaking grant is also seeing support from the Pewabic Pottery foundation.
