WHAT TO DO NOW WITH THE MANOOGIAN?
By Ben Schmitt
Detroit Free Press
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Sept 18 2008
MI
Bad reputation spurs ideas of new uses; Cockrels want it to be a
public place
When Kwame Kilpatrick and his family moved into the Manoogian Mansion
six years ago, Detroit’s new mayor declared: "I’m geeked."
Kilpatrick had no comment this week, directly or through a spokesman,
about moving out.
The more than 4,000-square-foot east-side home along the Detroit River
once was thought of as a natural perk for the mayor, but rumors of
wild parties, strippers and overall excess have tarnished its image.
Many now wonder if the Kilpatricks will be the last first family
to walk the halls of the stately residence at 9240 Dwight. Detroit
is believed to be one of the only U.S. cities with a residence for
its mayor.
Incoming Mayor Ken Cockrel Jr. says he has no plans to move into the
mansion. Political insiders say it’s a good move to stay away.
"It’s turned into a big negative and a symbol of abuses of the office
of mayor," political consultant Sam Riddle said.
Kilpatrick is scheduled to be out today. His spokesman, James Canning,
declined comment on whether the deadline will be met.
Cockrel isn’t sure what he wants to do with the mansion, said his
spokesman Daniel Cherrin.
"The Cockrels want to make it a public place," Cherrin said. "But
we’re not yet sure what that entails."
Even if the newest first family stays out, there are issues of upkeep
and security.
But Cherrin was vague when asked how Cockrel will handle those matters.
"I know that this issue is on his agenda and he will consider
appropriate action at an appropriate time," Cherrin said Wednesday.
Over the last 10 years, the city has budgeted $1.67 million for the
mansion’s upkeep.
City Councilman Kwame Kenyatta has entertained the idea of turning
the Manoogian into an orphanage.
Political consultant Adolph Mongo suggested a museum.
"I think it should be a museum, and it should tell the history of all
the Detroit mayors and movers and shakers," Mongo said. "Its days as
a living quarters have long passed.
"It used to be a symbol of power. But in this day and age, it’s not
appropriate."
The Manoogian Mansion is named for Alex Manoogian, an Armenian
immigrant who came to the United States in 1920 with two suitcases and
$50. He came to Detroit in 1924 to work as a machinist and four years
later cofounded a company that later made millions from development
of a single-handled faucet.
According to the Detroit Almanac, Manoogian bought the mansion at
auction in 1939 for $25,000 and gave it to the city in 1965. He died
in 1996.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
