Jan 9 2010

Gregory and I have been in Detroit since before New Years, and will be in Detroit for the rest of the month working on this project. We've been doing some work on the house in the last few days boarding up the windows and doors, cleaning the trash left in the yard, and scraping snow off the roof from the last snowstorm.

It's very clear that the house has been squatted within the last several months judging by the mattresses, alcoholic beverage containers, and the dollar bill we found on the coffee table. All of the plumbing, electrical, and wiring of the house has already been scrapped, except for one piece of aluminum tubing in the basement, which was used by the squatters to have unregulated heat, bypassing the gas company's meter.

We're a little surprised that the house had initially been put on the demolition list, as the structure and walls are in decent condition, and it appears as if the roof has been replaced within the last year.

We have a lot of volunteers who will be working with us next week, but so far it's only been Gregory and I on site getting everything ready, which has been really nice. Next week, we will be providing soup and chili on site for people that are volunteering and those that are curious or hungry in the neighborhood, provided by United Peace Relief Detroit, and Greg's Mom and Aunt.

We're consulting with Greg's uncle Mike, a retired Ford Motor Company plumber, on the basics of assembling a system of water outlets we can use to ice the house off of a city hydrant. Also Larry our Water Guy will be coming over to the property tomorrow to consult with us in regards to ice coverage.

We appreciate all the press inquiries thus far, and we apologize for not being able to get back to you. With the current cold front hitting the city, we are very limited on time right now, and we are hoping to be able to respond to all of your calls and emails when preproduction is over.