Arson fire destroys third Heidelberg Project house in less than two months

An intentionally set fire destroyed the third art-decorated house in less than two months at the world-renowned Heidelberg Project in Detroit early this morning, and authorities believe they may know who started the blaze.

The 3 a.m. fire destroyed the “Penny House,” a popular feature that was adorned with oversized pennies. Just 10 days ago, an arson fire leveled the “House of Soul” home. And in early October, an intentionally set fire burned down the 18-year-old Obstruction of Justice House.

Artists at the growing Heidelberg Project, which is built primarily with found objects like baby dolls, broken phones and gutted TVs, expressed grief and fear that someone is trying to wipe out the decades-old project, which has withstood political attempts to bulldoze the art-studded property.

The Heidelberg Project was created by Tyree Guyton, who continues to transform blocks of decaying streets into vibrant public art.

  Arson, art, detroit, fire, Heidelberg Project, steve

Steve Neavling

Steve Neavling lives and works in Detroit as an investigative journalist. His stories have uncovered corruption, led to arrests and reforms and prompted FBI investigations.

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