The Mansion That Fisher Body Built: Inside Fred Fisher's Luxurious Mansion in Detroit

[@samanthab1923]

I’m old enough to remember the Fisher Body logo on all my dads Chevys. ❤

[@rugosetexture2716]

I remember the logo as well, it had a little carriage/calèche on it. :o)

[@deeperinsider2544]

me too after I google it 😂

[@peggyh4805]

I like the recent version of the room because it looks comfortable but it’s great to see the original. Thank you.

[@rbsmith3365]

It restored beautifully! I remembered on doors of Oldsmobile. Says Body By Fisher.

[@thinktonka]

The lobby and public area of the Fisher Building in mid-town Detroit is jaw dropping!

[@jmhowlett]

Craftsmanship was so much better 100 years ago, I wonder what happened.....

[@dmd5645]

Totally agree!. My Mom worked for General Motors across the street at the former headquarters. I've worked in the GM building twice over two summers, ( thanks Mom!) soooo gorgeous! The Fisher building and the GM building are connected by underground walkways. Even the Argonaut building ( the former scientific labs of GM) behind the GM building is connected by underground walkways. Soooo cool!. And gorgeous!.

[@pmn2821]

Unfortunately what exists is less than a third of what was to be built. It was slated to be the largest building in the world.

[@chortle1708]

Cheap low quality Chinese made housing products

[@oltedders]

Always glad to hear that the house is still standing.

[@brucebeamon5460]

And WELL CARED FOR !

[@chrisnichols4962]

I got to tour this house years ago. Just beautiful inside and out.

[@williamtyre523]

A beautiful, livable house. So glad to see it has been well cared for over the decades.

[@Mark723]

I enjoy the more recent version - I grew up with furniture from the historic version in the houses of many of my relatives and always find it stuffy. Nonetheless, it's so wonderful to know that this house not only still stands, but does so in excellent condition. Thanks for sharing.

[@Dallas_K]

Maybe stuffy, but totally in character with the house.

[@donaldwarriner1640]

The recent decor appeals to me very much. Anyway so heart warming to see an old and graceful home preserved.

[@marih3286]

I'm very thankful subsequent owners have preserved the beautiful craftsmanship found in this home.

[@christopherkraft1327]

This beautifully elegant home seems so warm & inviting!! I'm so glad that it's still around today!!! 👍👍🙂

[@markwagner4909]

This house is truly understated and elegant It’s magnificent

[@dojocho1894]

yes very lived in as they say...but people back then were coming-out of the Victorian era so many changes but to our lazy asses today we find everything "stuffy" I find it disgusting to see yoga pants on women in the mall with the a$$ covered in cat hair...I will take "stuffy" any day.

[@greeneyedwarlock882]

It categorically IS! I'm the Professional Photographer that shot it and it is the most world-class, breathtaking, 5 star, stunning home I've ever photographed and I thought I'd died and gone to heaven after touring it for the first time.

[@dmd5645]

@@greeneyedwarlock882 So nice to hear your, the photographer!!, impressions and feelings as you experienced being in the actual space!. I'm from here, went to UofM.... it's really unlike any other city anywhere!. So glad you enjoyed our corner of the world!.

[@devonna6171]

My favorite house so far. Beautifully appointed and yet comfortable.

[@amandab.recondwith8006]

Incredibly tasteful!

[@badapple65]

The stairways of the olde Days were always works of art where obviously they took very gifted craftsman to create.

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

I like this house. It is grand, but still on a 'human scale', so I can imagine actually living in it. Who would want to live in Marble House or The Breakers?! Thank you for the video!

[@keithdavis9897]

Great video.........I'm in love with this house. I'm 68 and I remember the cheverolet I had in college still had the Body by Fisher stamped on the entrance to the driver's side.

[@brucebeamon5460]

Buy ALL means I prefer as it is today with the rooms SOAKING UP PLENTY OF LIGHT ~ Thanks for the tour I’ve always admired the exterior of the home … Now I have an idea of what the the inside looks as well !

[@Emily_Paris]

Amazing job Ken as always. Not only do you bring us, your viewers, the magnificent story of the design of the mansions built, you also bring the stories behind the people who owned these beautiful homes.

[@tonydialsr7190]

Outstanding! I to enjoy the most recent version.

[@TennesseeTrio]

I love hearing that the house is still standing!

[@janedee6488]

Beautiful house. Glad it’s still standing.

[@brucebeamon5460]

And STILL being WELL taken care of .

[@greeneyedwarlock882]

The present day photos used in this video are mine as I'm the Professional Photographer that shot it and I WISH the resolution was so much better here on KZbin. (The free version at least). This house is the most magnificent masterpiece I've ever photographed and it was a huge labor of love but it was TONSSS OF WORK. The Seller had impeccable taste and I wish you guys could see the photos in their true quality. Enjoy!

[@ThisHouse]

Hi! You take beautiful photos, truly outstanding work! Here is the link to your album if anyone else would like to see your photos: www.flickr.com/photos/firstimpressionphotography/albums/72157719059757856

[@greeneyedwarlock882]

@@ThisHouse Thanks very much, I’m so flattered 👍🏻

[@greeneyedwarlock882]

@@bbe3034 Welllllllll, that’s an endearing story of strength and suffering but it really doesn’t have anything to do with the Fisher House. It was built in 1917 (way before the Depression) and the last thing Fred & Bertha Fisher had to do was worry about money or scrape by at all.

[@davidward805]

Another great video Ken! I liked the modern living room better.

[@LJB103]

I prefer the modern version; I'm not too much of a fan of heavily draped over-stuffed rooms. A beautiful house. Brother Charles built a large home in Detroit that was recently a Designers Showcase home. Lawrence Fisher (stayed with GM as head of the Cadillac division) built a large mansion that is now owned by the Krishners. It is open for tours (little furniture) and contains the most bizarre room that I've ever seen. Not sure what the other four brothers built. The Fishers also financed the largest mansion in Detroit and donated it to Bishop Gallagher. Excellent video.

[@MissRB03]

I once worked at the Fisher Body plant in Lansing, just turned 18…. a few years before it closed it doors. Was the BEST job!

[@brentfairlie]

What an elegant house. I truly love it

[@jeanbaker2087]

I liked the newer version of the living room.

[@shirleybalinski4535]

Body by Fisher, was a proud slogan, heralded by car manufacturers in their ads. If I'm not mistaken, small decals( plaques) were actually affixed to automobiles proclaiming..Body by Fischer.

[@creambabyjazz]

Heritage house with historic story. Really interesting!

[@bethranger9883]

This house is absolutley beatiful

[@WaKincaid]

Thank you for being a window 🪟 to these BEAUTIFUL homes.

[@tudorjason]

3:32 - The historic picture has so much color and detail. It's beautiful, warm, inviting, luxe!

[@sergpie]

That blue velvet wow😮

[@greeneyedwarlock882]

I quite sure you’re confused. The historic photos are in black and white and the modern day photos which I took as I am the professional photographer who shot the house are in full color.

[@wallacehamilton5596]

I too like the more recent version. The dark curtains and oversized furniture although popular at the time detracts from the craftsmanship and do not look comfortable. The living room is my favorite room.

[@edindoffer687]

Michigander here. My friend, who is a photographer, had the opportunity to photograph the house. "This House" is really a work of art and the photos prove it.

[@greeneyedwarlock882]

Daaahhhhhling, you're simply to FAB for words‼😆😆

[@sergpie]

Goodness, those stenciled ceilings! It’s so fascinating how almost all the barons and businesspeople of the gilded age, went straight for renaissance revival for their abodes. They must’ve fancied themselves modern-day Medicis.

[@wanderlu5t]

Dude! I would listen to you read the phone book. You have an amazing voice!

[@calendarpage]

What a lovely house! Despite the huge square footage, it seems very liveable. I had to smile at the library. Note that the chair and desk were pretty close to the glass-doored bookcases. You'd have to move furniture to open them. I get the feeling that didn't happen much. 😄 I attended the U of Michigan, met many kids whose parents were involved in the automotive industry, and heard about the lovely executive houses around Detroit. You might consider covering houses in Grosse Pointe and Grosse Pointe Farms.

[@gmanette188]

Ty

[@honestmom1958]

I like the recent version of the one room and that it's a bit lighter, but the integrity of the room was maintained. It was also very interesting to learn of these brothers and that history. Thank you as always!

[@claudiamann7111]

Beautiful house. I'm so glad that it has been kept in good repair. These houses are dwindling too fast. Thanks so much for another wonderful tour.

[@oliverrojas3185]

I think the foyer with the french doors is my favorite space in the house. I am really impressed with the modesty displayed in a house by some of the wealthiest people in the world. Due to stress outside of home at the factories, having curtains covering windows in a room might have been a way of creating a small dark, calming sanctuary. Based on the photos, this is a home with 8800 hundred square feet of smaller sized home atmosphere, that brings about a sense of intimacy in contrast to splendor.

[@greeneyedwarlock882]

Very glad you enjoyed the photos and the house, but it's closer to 10K square feet as I'm the photographer what took those photos. It's fascinating how you came to that number though based on photos.

[@antonfarquar8799]

part of the reason that Fisher's house has survived so well is that it has a hip roof covered in highly durable and leak proof Spanish tiles and the roof extends over the exterior of the building (over hangs) keeping the elements from damaging the walls and windows.

[@sp-bl1sl]

I have been in this house. No lie; the first time i stepped into the music room I almost fainted.

[@clairwaucaush7225]

Finally a house with a happy ending!

[@jimc4731]

A very livable mansion even in the present day! Please do Henry Fords mansion! Keep up the good work! JIM❤

[@josephsierzengaIV]

Edsel Fords Mansion in Grosse Pointe Shores is far nicer than Henry Fords house in Dearborn

[@iamspartacus7756]

So enjoy the history background that Ken gives that helps bring life into these historic homes.

[@califdad4]

I like the modern traditional look in the house today best. One of the brothers had a beautiful mansion in Palmer Wood's that was later donated to the Catholic diocese and became the Bishop's home for some years

[@nhennessy6434]

Really well done. Avoids the crass excesses seen in a lot of Gilded Age mansions. Everything seems very well proportioned and tastefully decorated. House looks extremely livable and beautiful. And yes, the updated rooms look better. Better to treat a home like this a living, evolving entity than as a museum pieece to be preserved in amber.

[@davidatovar]

The front reminds me very much of the HUDSON sister's mansion from the movie, Whatever Happened To Baby Jane.

[@theresawilson2647]

I remember having cars with the emblem body by Fisher when you opened the doors it was along the running board. It was a sign the car was well made.

[@jonclassical2024]

The recent!...I could move right in...this style just speaks to me.....wish it could be toured!

[@sandriagutierrez2605]

I’m glad it’s still being enjoyed. It makes me sad when I see the grand houses of the past fall into disrepair, or worse, total demolition.

[@marac5775]

That house is a dream !!! Love the music room . Thank you for this great video !!

[@manbtm1]

Detroit has numerous neighborhoods that still that have incredible homes in them, and the vast majority are beautifully kept, it always amazes me how so few people out of the area have any concept of what Detroit looks like in so many areas, it’s not slums by any means in many parts, and the downtown and Midtown are absolutely beautiful now. Come visit

[@miltonking1137]

So true, some of the most beautiful house in the world in the center of Detroit Michigan

[@The_Smith]

I like the recent version, to my eye it suits the house, yet looks comfortable, a room I'd not mind having a Sazerac and a visit in.

[@dmd5645]

Luv ur channel Ken, and everyone involved!. I admire the almost documentary way you approach every home/video. Keep up the great work!!. I'm from here, went to UofM., It's a good place to be. And a VERY rich treasure trove for your channel!!!. Soooo many homes and buildings!.

[@donnaw2868]

What a beautiful home. I loved the image of the narrow kitchen, with that vintage cook stove and sink.

[@aaronandrews3059]

This was awesome. My royal brome delta 88 Oldsmobile was made by Fisher. Loved that car.

[@larry3034]

WOW, what a beautiful home.

[@krazmokramer]

Fabulous home! I prefer the modern living room, which is my favorite room shown.

[@darcyedmonds8848]

Okay, this rivals Lake Como for charming interiors. Solid and sturdy done graceful, but warm and cozy. I really liked the dark and manly feel of those old leather and tobacco scented rooms with their heavy curtains and wood furniture. Big time Clue and Ms. Fisher vibes, a dark and stormy night dinner party is just what that place wants. 😉😁❤

[@jenpink4298]

This is so interesting and the house is absolutely gorgeous!

[@Lonesome__Dove]

What a beautiful home. Love all the wrought-iron.

[@jamescook4u]

Very well presented. Great job!

[@corinnelaking569]

Lovely and tasteful home. I haven't owned a GM product in some time, but that's what I always owned in my younger years. Only the last few were new enough to NOT have the "Body by Fisher" tags on the door sill plates. 🙂

[@charliearnold4706]

A beautiful house and very stylish. Just the perfect size, not too grand and probably fairly easy to upkeep. Great to see that the current owners are enthusiastic at keeping the house in great condition.

[@alanblanes2876]

This was a particularly interesting episode, Ken.

[@thecuttinggardener361]

Love love love these videos. You should do one on Meadow Brook Hall, just north of Detroit.

[@derricklangford4725]

So that's where the term Body by Fisher comes from. Back in the 90's I used to hear the old Queens use that phrase to describe hot Trade 😂

[@milliehicks7436]

Stunning home!! 😍

[@Wanamaker1946]

The original rooms are exquisite. The terra-cotta (Della robia) mantelpiece is a first for me. If this is any indication of the color that existed in the old photographs, it must’ve been sumptuous. This house could easily have been set on a 50 acre property. Great job here on the research.

[@monicakoenig5921]

I like the modern style home, and my favorite room was the entrance with the grand staircase 😮, as well the rest of the home felt very inviting .

[@RADIUMGLASS]

Fred's funeral was held in that house. His wife sold it in the mid 1940s sometime after he died and she moved into a luxury apartment building. I think she moved into the Whittier on Jefferson Avenue.

[@H.O.P.E.1122]

The breakfast room is my favorite.

[@ddunvideo]

Thanks for the insight

[@dre4011]

Ahhh yes!! FISHER BODY WORKS....I remember being a kid back in the mid-80s..and those BIG GM doors that my grandfather had on his '81 Grand Prix...GOD HELP YOU if that big-ass door started closing and your little legs weren't in the car yet!😂😂😂

[@petemavus2948]

Reminds me of one particular house in The Bluff section of Weehawken, N.J. that always intrigued me. Always in seemingly pristine condition and although living nearby, I never saw any proof of life or movement on the property.

[@paulmellerowicz1220]

Someone once said this house is like living in a Faberge Egg. I was inside in a tour years ago. That's a good description of it. Many of the original fixtures are still there.

[@rickyt3961]

5:54 so interesting! thanks 👏🏽

[@craiggillett5985]

I love the contemporary interior design when compared to the original, however one must remember that in the period people avoided the sun, and it was not common to have brightly lit homes during day time.

[@sherryseckler3494]

And every time we got into our Pontiac we stepped over a little plaque set in the door frame that said “body by Fisher”!

[@amyjones8114]

Unfortunately I liked the present day look of the living room because I’m a sucker for a cozy sofa; and that blue one looked better than the original one. I wish I had a taste for Victorian design because I do love heavy drapes but I’m lazy and need comfy furniture.

[@Tubefish07]

I have many great memories there. We used to bury gold coin’s around the grounds. Those were the days!

[@monkeygraborange]

Such a relatively small lot for such a beautiful home.

[@gandolfthegardener]

He seems like a practical man. A huge, ornate home requires much money for up keep. Should you build/buy a large home just because you can?

[@monkeygraborange]

@@gandolfthegardener who said anything about a huge ornate home?

[@gandolfthegardener]

@@monkeygraborange Most people of new wealth want to display it in their homes. While this Mr. Fisher's home is 'simple', he could have chosen a revival of a much more ornate style or a much larger version of the current style. He chose a style and size that fit him and his personality.

[@marykuettner752]

There is another house that belonged to one of the Fisher Brothers in Bloomfield Hills. My friend Liz babysat for the family that lived there. There was a ballroom, basketball court and train room. I think it was their summer house? near Long Lake. This was way back in the 70's.

[@greeneyedwarlock882]

Hmmmm......are you sure you don't mean right on Lake Angelus, just north of Pontiac?? Fred Fisher built a magnificent English Tudor summer house there originally on 12 acres that was tragically town down a few years ago.

[@Cyrus992]

One of the few Italian Renaissance style homes with no arches

[@thisforbirdie]

Carved wave pattern? That’s “Greek Key” … 😢

[@DETROIT1948]

Body By Fisher! GM Made Body By Fisher Priceless!

[@Kyfordman1989]

I’m just glad to see that the Storico home saved some of your videos of his homes in New York, and all over United States of Roy. Sad me that they got destroyed and developed into the apartment complex or a hotel or something. These homes can never be reproduced today the craftsmanship has been lost.

[@StamperWendy]

The richest men in the world, and I've never heard of them! Thanks, Ken!

[@greeneyedwarlock882]

Wellllllll........they weren't the richest men in the world, guaranteed. That title belonged to John Rockefeller back then. But they were all very, very rich.

[@crystalhealing9413]

I got a chance to look through Mr Fisher scrap album books and I got to touch the blueprints of the first body of the car

[@crystalhealing9413]

My mom took care of Mr Fisher one of the Fisher Brothers son Lewis Fisher she was one of his last nurses before he passed

[@retirementbootcampoff-grid237]

Several beautiful, historic homes in my town are falling down due to neglect. These historic buildings need responsible owners.

[@mikedrown2721]

My '87 Buick has the body by Fisher on the scuff plate

[@johnball8758]

I would love to see the old photos colorized. Would make a huge difference. Worst part of the old living room is the furniture is spread out which is not conducive to conversation.

[@michaelvandermarliere7820]

Oh yes, my favorite room you ask? ALL OF THEM!!! :-)

[@HoosierRooster]

Their house in Palm Beach is awesome also

[@BamBamBigelow.]

Italianate as all heck

[@greeneyedwarlock882]

Mmmmmmm........much more Mediterranean that Italianate.

[@H.O.P.E.1122]

I like the version with modern furnishings but am influenced by color.