Meet the new owner of Detroit's historic 'Motown Mansion'

Boston-Edison estate sold for $1.65 million

DETROIT – Detroit's historic "Motown Mansion" has a new owner.

The Boston-Edison estate sold for $1.65 million, making it the second largest residential sale in Detroit this year.

Built in 1917, the 'mansion' includes 10,500 sq ft, and an 4,400 sq ft pool house. The main residence has 10 bedrooms, five full bathrooms and four fireplaces.

The new owner is Alan Brown, a Metro Detroit native and leading researcher and management consultant in the nonprofit arts industry.

Prior to his consulting career, Alan served for five years as Executive Director of the Ann Arbor Summer Festival, where he presented Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn and many other artists.

He holds three degrees from the University of Michigan: a Master of Business Administration, a Master of Music in Arts Administration and a Bachelor of Musical Arts in vocal performance.

Nels Michelson built the home in 1917. He came from Denmark to the United States with almost nothing and settled in northern Michigan. He started in the lumber business with a single mule to haul the lumber. He saved his money until he had enough to buy a lumber mill. In 1906, he created the Grayling Lumber Co.

He invested his money into Detroit, a city that, at the time, was showing potential.

He moved his family to the city, started a home building company and built the mansion at 918 West Boston Blvd.

Berry Gordy, founder of Motown Records, lived in the house from 1967-1969, but owned the property until 2002.

Alex Atwell highlighted the home back in 2015 for Uniquely Detroit:


About the Authors:

Ken Haddad has proudly been with WDIV/ClickOnDetroit since 2013. He also authors the Morning Report Newsletter and various other newsletters, and helps lead the WDIV Insider team. He's a big sports fan and is constantly sipping Lions Kool-Aid.