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Michigan’s ‘Pink Lady’ Mixes 19th-Century Charm With Millennial Pink Exterior

While the phrase “pink lady” conjures up images of satin jackets and poodle skirts, in Muskegon, MI, it refers to something a little different.

The “Pink Lady” is what locals call this five-bedroom, two-bath Victorian, which is available for only $189,900. The exterior of its three stories and 3,384 square feet of living space is the color of cotton candy.

The home was built in 1888, when industrial barons were making over Midwestern cities. The home’s previous owners were involved in the civic life of Muskegon, including the owner of the Occidental Hotel, the president of the Muskegon Electric Light Co., and actress Elizabeth Harryman.

Electricity was added in 1892, but the original staff bell system and basement broiler still exist. In the living room in the 1940s, future President Gerald Ford announced that he was running for Congress.

“This house has such a story to tell on its own,” says listing agent Dirk Stone. “There are so many unique attributes, and the quality is unbelievable. I’ve never seen joists in a house that were as solid as in this house.”

Each room has its own unique color and character. Three fireplaces throughout the home are adorned with wood designs and tile inlays depicting classical motifs. There are also 10 stained-glass windows throughout the home. With a living room, family room, and sitting room, there’s no shortage of communal space, and wood floors and detailing along with brass and bronze fixtures enhance the historic appeal. There’s even an attic bedroom and a sizable basement.

The detached garage is the same pastel hue as the house, and the large yard contains an overhanging wisteria trellis atop a swing.

While the most recent owners did some extensive renovating, including a new roof, there’s still some work left to be done. The home’s listed on the local historic register, so any changes will require local approval.

“We’re hopeful that somebody who has appreciation for Victorian homes but also has some resources is going to come in,” Stone says. “When you’re getting into restoration like this, it’s going to take a tremendous amount of time and it’s going to be that labor of love.”

Those future owners will be in great company—the street features an entire row of Victorian houses, with the Pink Lady being the oldest on the block.

“There’s a lot of pride of ownership there along that row. If these homes were in other areas of the country, they’d be worth a tremendous amount more,” says Stone. “It’s an undervalued market where the upside is so great, there’s really not a downside to this home as far as investment. It’s worth all of that.”

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