News

Actions

Woman's dream to renovate a vacant school at a standstill, scrappers targeting building

Posted at 6:01 PM, Aug 25, 2016
and last updated 2016-08-25 18:01:53-04

When the final bell rang at a Detroit school, a local woman had dreams for the building. But, her dreams of turning the building into a nurturing spot have been shattered.

Patricia Courtner moved back to Detroit wanting to help others. 

When she came across a vacant school in her neighborhood, she reached out to the Detroit Public School District.

Courtney says she was offered to lease the building, which she did while they worked on renovations.  

Her plan was to operate a daycare center and offer vocational classes. 

Then one day a 'For Sale' sign was posted on the building. 

Courtner says she wanted to buy the building, but the deal never materialized. 

Soon, illegal scrappers arrived, stealing anything and everything of value. The building now is an eyesore in the neighborhood.

Courtner still has hopes for the property. 

She would like the district to donate it so she can fix it up, and rebuild her Tree of Life Center. 

The Detroit resident is not ready to give up on her dream just yet.