Source: Bbusiness
Meet Kyle Dubay and Bo Shepherd, an African American couple from Detroit, Michigan, who bought an abandoned house for $6,500 and then sold it last month for $410,000 after fixing it up. They are a creative duo making a living by breathing new life into old materials. Together, they own Woodward Throwbacks, a Black-owned unique furniture and home goods business based in Detroit.
Their specialty lies in using reclaimed materials, often found in the city’s forgotten corners, to craft one-of-a-kind pieces. This mission to repurpose and restore has become their way of contributing to Detroit’s rebirth.
Constantly on the lookout for their next project, Dubay and Shepherd jumped at the chance to restore an abandoned house in Detroit’s North End. The neighborhood, known for its rich African American history, small businesses, and churches, is only ten minutes from downtown. The couple was excited about the home’s “great bones” and saw potential in turning the neglected property into something special.
According to Business Insider, the home, a three-story structure with three bedrooms and two bathrooms, was part of the Detroit Land Bank Authority’s (DBLA) efforts to return vacant and rundown properties to productive use. Each year, the DBLA auctions thousands of these properties, often starting bids at as little as $1,000. Dubay and Shepherd secured this particular home in 2019, paying just $6,500 for the chance to restore it.
Over the next three years, the couple poured both their hearts into transforming the property. They stayed true to their ethos of using reclaimed materials, incorporating unique finds like floorboards from an old basketball court and countertops from a science lab. The result was a striking blend of modern luxury and upcycled charm.
Though they took on most of the renovation themselves, Dubay and Shepherd weren’t entirely alone. Friends, family, and local businesses played key roles in helping them source materials and bring their vision to life. This sense of community collaboration added even more meaning to the project.
Last month, all their hard work paid off when they sold the fully restored home for $410,000. What began as a decaying structure in need of attention became a testament to the power of creativity, teamwork, and a passion for renewal.
THE AUTHOR: Editor, Bbusiness
