Turn-of-the-Century Historic Value Opportunity: 1902 Character Residence

Offering an impressive 2,673 square feet of intact pre-war architecture, this historic turn-of-the-century manor at 72 Fremont St represents an extraordinary value-add investment opportunity in Battle Creek, Michigan.

Listed by: Max Brundage 269-967-9816, Real Estate One Rosemary Davis 269-781-9847

Listed at an extraordinarily accessible baseline of $150,000—equating to an astounding ~$56 per square foot—this 1902-built five-bedroom, two-bathroom character residence sits on a 9,147-square-foot (0.21-acre) city lot inside Calhoun County.

Crucially anchored by a brand-new roof system, this property eliminates the single most expensive capital liability facing buyers of historic homes. Rich in original craftsmanship—including unpainted woodwork, native hardwood floors, leaded glass window installations, custom built-in cabinetry, and a focal fireplace—this estate provides a solid baseline for a preservationist, house-hacker, or investor looking to customize a 2,600+ square foot landmark.

The residence delivers a distinguished, classic street presence along Fremont Street, showcasing gabled rooflines, deep structural dimensions, and mature shade trees. Inside, the grand 2,673-square-foot interior is defined by generous room clearances, soaring vertical ceiling tracks, and warm historic millwork that flows seamlessly across both primary living floors.

🏛️ Main Manor Interior Layout & Artisan Millwork

The home’s multi-level geometry is exceptionally practical, organizing high-volume social gathering tracks alongside dedicated private flex quarters:

The Ground Floor Common Core: Opens into an expansive formal living room centered around a cozy fireplace with original built-in display shelves. Adjoining the living room is a dedicated private executive office featuring intricate leaded glass windows. The formal dining hall transitions into a dedicated breakfast nook adorned with additional vintage built-in cabinetry.

Five-Bedroom Residential Wing: The upper residential tier hosts five true, generously proportioned bedrooms, offering extraordinary spatial flexibility for large households, multi-generational living, or dedicated remote work setups.

Two-Bathroom Configuration: Outfitted with two full bathrooms distributed across the floor plan, providing a solid functional foundation for cosmetic modernizations without requiring new structural rough-ins.

Subterranean Storage Footprint: Below the main floors sits an expansive basement, offering vast storage capacity, laundry hookups, and room for a handyman workshop.

🚗 3-Car Detached Garage Compound & Capital Envelope

The defining functional asset of this $150,000 transaction is the combination of major roof updates and outbuilding utility:

Brand-New Architectural Roof: The installation of a brand-new roof system secures the building envelope against water intrusion, protecting the interior plaster and woodwork while removing a major financing hurdle for buyers.

3-Car Detached Garage: Vehicle storage and personal storage needs are handled by a sizable 3-car detached garage outbuilding, offering exceptional space for multiple vehicles, outdoor gear, lawn equipment, or a dedicated workshop.

📋 Property Specifications

💰 Price: $150,000 (An incredible ~$56/sqft acquisition baseline)

📍 Address: 72 Fremont St, Battle Creek, MI 49017 (Calhoun County Corridor)

📜 Architectural Standing: Turn-of-the-Century 1902 Historic Character Home

📐 Interior Size: 2,673 finished above-grade sqft (Plus full basement storage)

🌳 Lot Size: 9,147 sqft (0.21 Acres / Level, low-maintenance town parcel)

🛏️ Bedrooms: 5 (Expansive, light-filled chambers set across upper tier)

🛁 Bathrooms: 2 Full Bathrooms

🏗️ Year Built: 1902 (Turn-of-the-Century Edwardian Era)

⚙️ Completed Infrastructure: Brand-new roof system, solid structural envelope, and basement storage

🪵 Irreplaceable Assets: Original woodwork, hardwood floors, leaded glass windows, built-in cabinets, and fireplace

🚙 Outbuildings: Detached 3-car garage with extended private driveway

🔍 Key Features & Preservation Value Points Explained

🏛️ Mind-Blowing Financial Runway at ~ $56 Per Square Foot: Securing over 2,600 square feet of character home with a brand-new roof and a 3-car garage for $150,000 represents an extraordinary value play in Southern Michigan. The low purchase price leaves an immense capital margin to customize interior kitchens and baths while securing deep equity upside.

🛡️ Primary Mechanical Risk Removed: Sourcing a pre-war home that already features a brand-new roof completely eliminates the most significant immediate capital expense, giving the buyer time to focus on interior cosmetics.

🚗 Rare 3-Car Detached Garage Utility: Finding an in-town historic property under $200k with a full 3-car garage is a major rarity, providing immense practical value for vehicle enthusiasts, hobbyists, or contractors.

📍 Strategic Southern Michigan Location: Located on Fremont Street, residents enjoy a connected, peaceful neighborhood lifestyle. Walk or drive in minutes to Kellogg Community College, Bronson Battle Creek Hospital, downtown Battle Creek’s historic commercial district, and local parks, while maintaining rapid transit access via M-66, I-94, and M-89 for direct commutes to Kalamazoo, Marshall, or Lansing.