A cleanup effort is ongoing at the property of Detroit’s well-known “castle” following a viral wave of social media attention.
The cleanup is focused on a lot along Chalmers Street, which is owned by Charles E. Brooks Jr. and sits directly behind his home on Lakewood Street — often referred to as “the castle.”
After construction delays and growing concerns from neighbors over debris and blight on the Chalmers property, the Detroit Land Bank Authority filed a lawsuit against Brooks, citing code violations.
Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison, along with volunteers and youth groups, joined Brooks at the site for a large-scale cleanup effort. Crews removed debris, trimmed overgrown vegetation, and more.
Youth from organizations such as Moving Forward and Detroit Friends and Family returned to the property Saturday, treating the experience as an opportunity to learn hands-on skills.
Chief Bettison said he plans to recommend that the lawsuit be dropped if progress continues.
Detroit police officers were also stationed on-site throughout the week to provide safety for Brooks after he reported threats and past trespassing incidents.
Although no formal action has been taken yet, the lawsuit could be resolved very soon if cleanup efforts continue as they have.
