Why a $9 Million Detroit Mansion Just Sold for $800K—And What Its New Owner Plans to Do With It
One of Detroit’s most famous homes, the Bishop Mansion — a massive, 35,029-square-foot brie and lime estate — recently sold for $800,000 after being listed for $9 million.
One might think that this is a sad story of mass cuts, but it has happy endings—or new beginnings, if you will.
The complex, the largest in the Motor City, was built in the 1920s and once belonged to the Catholic Archdiocese of Detroit, serving as the home of the Catholic Bishop. Michael Gallagher.
The estate fell into disrepair, with renovation costs seemingly staggering. But Calvin GeeThe 35-year-old former Michigan resident and now angel investor based in Austin, TX, rode into Motown riding a white tech stallion, with the goal of restoring the mansion to its former glory and helping build the local tech economy in the process.
Gee grew up in West Bloomfield, graduated from the University of Michigan, and was familiar with the Bishop Mansion, as were nearly all Detroit residents. It sits on 2 acres in the heart of Palmer Woods, where Detroit’s movers and shakers have lived for over a century.
Real estate investor and local culture pundit Greg Russell he went to a nearby high school, and says the area was a popular hub for the city’s do-gooders, from auto executives to Motown stars to professional athletes.
It’s natural to think that, when we hear about a mansion being reduced in price, the neighborhood is shrinking and housing prices have fallen. But that’s not the case here, according to Russell.
“The mansions in the neighborhood would put Beverly Hills to shame,” he said. “It’s still one of the most upscale areas of the city. It’s just that the cost to renovate this home is scary, and the cost to run a house of that size is also scary.”
Gee has big plans for the mansion, which has 12 bedrooms, eight full bathrooms, six baths, and a renovated carriage house and garage. It includes a restoration project that can accommodate a private residence and a creative hub.
He intends to move into the mansion full time and move his company, Engage, from Austin to Detroit.
“Detroit has always been part of my story,” Gee said. “Whether it was my work with the Autism Alliance of Michigan or my time on Mojo in the Morning radio and the community service we did there, this city shaped me into who I am.
“Now I’m bringing Engage home—world-class AI and robotics innovation and real job opportunities to Detroit,” he said.
“Bishop House is a statement of my commitment to this city and my belief in its future. I plan to preserve the rich history and character of this house while modernizing it to last another century. I am as careful to restore this place as I am to build my company here. This is not an investment – it is a homecoming.”
This mansion had several prominent owners, not all of whom were deeply committed to the community.
More than the Catholic Church, the Detroit Pistons are big John Salley he bought it in 1989, he reportedly said he needed a house with at least 10 meter ceilings. It was transferred in 1995 to Great Faith Ministries International. Later, in 2017, Bishop Wayne T. Jacksonfounder of Impact Network, sold the property to a California investor for more than $2.5 million.
Ownership and sales prices after that get a little tougher, according to the Detroit Free Press. It was listed to sell for $9 million in 2023, then dropped to $1 million.
At the time, according to Russell, who worked as a home tour guide, he said, “You see that mansion? It’s listed for $1 million. At that price and size, we could all move in, move in, and never see each other!”
The cataloging of photos reveals that although many parts of the mansion are known, they still had beautiful historical features such as great rooms with high high ceilings, intricate woodwork and staircases, original marble floors, stained glass windows, a private chapel, stone carvings and fireplaces.
The home also had dumbwaiters and an elevator shaft, as was required in the finest homes of the time.
But alas, the HVAC system was completely demolished, the plumbing and electrical systems were beyond repair, the roof needed to be replaced, and there were visible scars throughout. It was put up for auction in 2024, and while the bids were closed, a warranty deed recorded on Oct. 28, 2024, showed a sale price of $400,000.
Gee was well aware that restoration costs would triple the $800,000 sale price, but he didn’t give up when he bought it on Jan. 15, 2026.
“The sale of the Bishop Mansion represents a logical approach to historic ownership in Detroit,” said the buyer’s agent, Celeste Gee of Re/Max Leading Edge, who is also Calvin’s aunt.
“Calvin is deeply committed to maintaining the integrity of the area while giving it a sustainable future.
“Detroit’s historic buildings play an important role in the city’s identity and revitalization, and when buildings of this importance are approached for long-term management, the benefits extend beyond the building’s walls and into the surrounding community.”
