A remarkable property known as the “Bottle House” has hit the market in Hazel Park, Michigan, for the first time in over 70 years. Located at 39 W. Elza Ave., this unique home, built in 1937, features thousands of glass bottles embedded in concrete blocks, creating a striking visual effect that has captivated many.
The home was originally constructed by Omar Reese, an assembly line worker at Hamtramck’s Dodge Main factory. Faced with rising lumber costs due to labor disputes, Reese innovatively employed concrete blocks and colorful glass bottles to create a home for his family. According to current owner Carl Schiller, who has over 30 years of real estate experience, Reese’s motivation stemmed from a desire to incorporate the refractive qualities of colored glass into his living space. “He cleaved off the butts of the bottles and stuck them in, purely because he liked light refraction off the colored bottles,” Schiller revealed.
The Bottle House has been in the same family since 1951. Schiller was contacted by the owners through his real estate business website, housefullofcash.com. They expressed a desire to sell the house to someone who would appreciate and preserve its unique character. Schiller, who initially considered transforming the property into an Airbnb, recognized the historical significance of the home, stating, “For me, it’s a 90-year piece of art. All these bottles are frozen in concrete time.”
This charming abode is adorned with approximately 20,000 antique bottles, including vintage 7-Up, red wine, and navy blue Noxzema lotion bottles, which inspired a vibrant paint refresh on the garage door. Schiller noted that while he received higher offers, the owners prioritized finding a buyer committed to maintaining the house’s legacy.
Over the years, the property suffered from neglect and required extensive repairs, especially due to a leaky roof that caused water damage. Schiller’s renovation budget quickly escalated beyond the initial $50,000, ultimately taking four years to complete. The interior underwent a complete transformation, with new ductwork and plumbing installed. Schiller aimed to create a more open, airy feel, removing walls between the living room and kitchen and enlarging windows.
“Pretty much everything had to be replaced,” he explained. “That’s why it took so long. But I’m glad that it did; we wouldn’t have been able to take this much time with it otherwise.” The updated interior now features new quartz countertops and hardwood floors, along with custom wallpaper derived from a black-and-white photograph of Detroit from the 1950s.
To enhance the house’s appeal for potential buyers, Schiller personally scrubbed each bottle, becoming familiar with the myriad of vintage designs. Additionally, the property includes an attached space that may have originally served as a detached garage and could be transformed into an artist’s studio or home office.
Schiller remains dedicated to the idea of returning the house to the community as a short-term rental, allowing visitors to experience this unique piece of metro Detroit history. More information about the Bottle House is available at hazelparkbottlehouse.com and zillow.com. The home spans 1,225 square feet and features two bedrooms, a bathroom, a basement, and a garage, making it a rare find for those seeking both charm and character in a historical property.
