Abandoned Detroit Building Housed Diverse Businesses Over Decades

Once a bustling commercial hub, the 1930 structure on Livernois Avenue now sits empty with squatters.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A building constructed in 1930 on Livernois Avenue in Detroit has housed a variety of businesses over the decades, including a bar, restaurant, piano warehouse, lounge, and more. However, the once-thriving commercial property is now abandoned, with homeless individuals and squatters taking up residence in the crumbling structure.

Why it matters

This story highlights the changing fortunes of Detroit's neighborhoods, as economic shifts and urban decay have left behind buildings that were once hubs of commercial activity. The fate of this particular structure reflects the broader challenges facing the city as it works to revitalize its neighborhoods and attract new investment.

The details

The building at 11700 Livernois Avenue was originally constructed in 1930 with four separate business units, each with its own address. Over the years, the structure housed a variety of enterprises, including a bar or restaurant on the corner unit, a beauty salon, a piano warehouse, a lounge, a bowling clinic, and a dry cleaner. However, the building is now abandoned, with homeless individuals and squatters taking up residence in the crumbling apartments upstairs.

  • The building was constructed in 1930.
  • Leon's Spic & Span Pantry operated in the building from 1934 to 1940.
  • Ellen A. Beauty Salon was located in the building in 1938.
  • Faces Cuts-N-Styles was in the building in 1941.
  • The building is currently abandoned, with squatters residing there.

The players

Leon's Spic & Span Pantry

A business that operated in the building from 1934 to 1940.

Ellen A. Beauty Salon

A business that was located in the building in 1938.

Faces Cuts-N-Styles

A business that was in the building in 1941.

Livernois Piano Warehouse

A business that operated in the building in 1959.

Sanborn Construction

A construction company that entered the abandoned building to assess its condition.

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The takeaway

This abandoned building on Livernois Avenue in Detroit serves as a reminder of the city's economic challenges and the need for revitalization efforts to breathe new life into neglected neighborhoods and commercial properties. The building's history of diverse businesses highlights the changing fortunes of the area, and its current state of disrepair underscores the broader issues facing Detroit as it works to recover from decades of decline.