Heidelberg Project house burns to ground Thanksgiving Day morning

'War House' on Elba Street near Mt. Elliot destroyed

DETROIT – Another fire has broken out at the Heidelberg Project.

Flames broke out early Thanksgiving Day on Elba Street near Mount Elliot – destroying the "War Room" house, which stood next to the House Of Soul.

The house was also the former home of Wilson Pickett, a famed R&B and soul singer.

The art installation's founder, Tyree Guyton, was on the scene.

The House of Soul was burned to the ground earlier this month.

Slideshow: Heidelberg Project's 'House of Soul' burns

The Penny House and the Obstruction of Justice House have also been destroyed by fires this year.

The Heidelberg Project released the following statement about the fire Thanksgiving morning:

The Installation known as the War Room was set ablaze at approximately 5:15 am on Thanksgiving morning.   Here is what we know:  A man in dark clothing was spotted by KP Protective Services running from the site of the War House located at 3710 Elba.  What was reported as a glow quickly ignited to a full blaze.

The Arson investigators were on the scene immediately and took a statement from KAP Protective Services.  Because the area is so dark, and the man was wearing dark clothing, it was difficult to catch him in the act.  The Detroit Arson Dept is working in conjunction with the US Dept of Justice, Bureau of alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. 

Or only concern at this point is the safety of residents.  We are working in full cooperation to do everything we can to put an end to this madness. 

 


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