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Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, right? Whether we’re talking about people, flowers, animals or even architecture. But just because a building is someone’s taste doesn’t mean the rest of us aren’t allowed to poke fun at its questionable design decisions. Extremely low ceilings? A startling lack of windows? Stairs that you might break your neck walking down? Sounds great! And you can find all of these amazing things featured in the ‘You Should Have Hired an Architect’ Facebook group.

This group, which has over 50k members at the moment, finds and roasts all of the most ridiculous and concerning architecture fails the world has to offer. Some of these designs are simply acquired tastes, while others should probably be illegal, but they were all fascinating enough to be featured in You Should Have Hired an Architect.

Keep reading to also find any interview with Lucas Gray, creator of Modern ADU Plans, and be sure to upvote the pictures you find most atrocious. Then if you’re interested in viewing even more of these homes and buildings that should have gotten someone fired, you can find Bored Panda’s previous articles on You Should Have Hired an Architect right here and here!

#1

Makes Me Nervous. That's A Pool!

Makes Me Nervous. That's A Pool!

Toni Alger Report

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Uncanny
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We had a similar wonky kind of home here in South Oz. Homeowner was murdered and stuffed in his freezer. Just sayin.

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    #3

    I've Seen Art Deco Style, And Craftsman Style, But Never Thought I Would See Doggy Style

    I've Seen Art Deco Style, And Craftsman Style, But Never Thought I Would See Doggy Style

    Brayden McLaughlin Report

    We can’t seem to get enough of these hilarious and amusing architectural fails here at Bored Panda, so this isn’t the first time we’ve featured You Should Have Hired an Architect. And lucky for us, we were previously able to get in touch with the Facebook group’s administrator, Allison Beer McKenzie, architect and director of sustainability at SHP Leading Design in Cincinnati, Ohio.

    The first time we spoke with Allison, about a year ago, she shared that, “This group is dedicated to examples of why it is a bad idea [to design a building without hiring an architect] with occasional examples of why buildings designed by architects may be superior for variety.”

    When it comes to the reasons why people would skip hiring an architect, Allison said, “One is definitely that they are cost-conscious or think they can’t afford an architect. The other, I believe, is they don’t know about or appreciate the value that an architect can bring to their house design.” She continued, “This value can certainly include beautiful design but can also include things like a house that fits seamlessly onto the site it is on and is ideally designed for the climate it’s being built on.”

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    #4

    I Know. It's Beautiful But I'd Break My Neck

    I Know. It's Beautiful But I'd Break My Neck

    Toni Alger Report

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    Xenon
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    At least my blood from my death will drain well in the gravel I guess. Quick rinse and done!

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    #5

    I Found One! In Some Home & Design Group, It Had The Title "This Is Art"

    I Found One! In Some Home & Design Group, It Had The Title "This Is Art"

    Xenia Østergård Ramm Report

    #6

    Has The Ambulance Arrived? Okay, I'll Now Attempt My Shower

    Has The Ambulance Arrived? Okay, I'll Now Attempt My Shower

    Aaron Kalbfeld Report

    Without having an expert on-site to consult, Allison told Bored Panda that many of the mistakes made when designing structures stem from the fact that most people, who don’t have proper training, have trouble thinking in three dimensions. “This often leads to houses with weird proportions or awkward connections between materials and elements,” she explained.

    Sometimes, buildings can turn out fine without an architect. But the chances of something going wrong are quite high, and it’s likely not worth the risk. “Building a house is probably the biggest investment you ever make and is going to require you to make hundreds of decisions in a condensed amount of time,” Allison says. “Having an architect at your side to guide you through decisions ranging from where the house sits on the lot, to room size and location, to what color grout you want for your bathroom floor can help ensure that you end up with a result you love and maintain your sanity!”

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    #7

    A Hotel In Germany Uses 3D Carpets To Prevent Guests From Running In The Passage

    A Hotel In Germany Uses 3D Carpets To Prevent Guests From Running In The Passage

    Shahla Mir Report

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    David
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My grandkids would still run. Except now they would also thump and laugh as they jumped over the 'holes'.

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    #8

    I Swear That Some People Have Made It Their Life's Mission To Figure Out Ways To Make Stairs Even Deadlier

    I Swear That Some People Have Made It Their Life's Mission To Figure Out Ways To Make Stairs Even Deadlier

    Allison Beer McKenzie Report

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    #9

    Imagine The Acoustics

    Imagine The Acoustics

    Toni Alger Report

    We also spoke with Allison about 7 months ago, the last time we featured You Should Have Hired an Architect. She shared that the group receives so many ridiculous posts that it’s hard to choose any favorites. “They range from technically poor design to spaces that function terribly to things that just look ridiculous," she told Bored Panda. "We also get quite a few enjoyable posts about houses that are just over the top or very taste specific. My personal favorites are when people share [what the heck] moments from their own homes, so that we can all share their pain."

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    #10

    I Like It, But Having To Explain The Need For All Those Discontinuous Load Paths To The Structural Engineer Would Give Me Nightmares

    I Like It, But Having To Explain The Need For All Those Discontinuous Load Paths To The Structural Engineer Would Give Me Nightmares

    Allison Beer McKenzie Report

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    Reyes
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh, I remember this! This is near my house. It’s called the Interlace in Singapore

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    #11

    Seizure Inducing

    Seizure Inducing

    Aaron Kalbfeld Report

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    Chez2202
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When your wife won’t let you have a dragon so you paint scales on every conceivable surface.

    Magpie
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The scales(?) look much smaller on the left and bigger on the right. Would that make it look like it's moving?

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    Justin Rogers
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How many sharpies did this take? Huffing is bad, I taste purple🤪

    Jeffrey Keffer
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So back in the day when I worked construction we did a house that the guest bathroom was done like this but completely in 1/2 inch black and white tiles ... every thing was black and white checker board ... it was awesome gave you vertigo if you turned your head to quick ... we also did one that was a baseball stadium look with thousands of painted fans cheering you on at home plate ( the toilet) it was only a half bath

    Heather Vandegrift
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Someone took all that time with sharpie to do that... Someone needs either fewer drugs, or more of the right kind

    Tiffanie Sewell
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'd like this if it was just one piece done in it, like just the bathtub or toilet.

    Terra Raizor
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Bet they thought it looked good on the toilet seat and then had to commit by the time they realized it was horrid

    Emmanuel Grey
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm sorry, but ew. I actually moved my phone away. This is teasing my Trypophobia

    Gladys Hayes Southerland
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is quite creepy on the Creepiness Scale. l feel like something is going to bite me. Now I'm afraid to lift the toilet seat

    Dodomaster
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

    Istvan Kozak
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So that's what the bathroom inside of a snake stomach looks like

    Pinkpanda
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I used to doodle this exact pattern in notebooks during lectures

    BeepBeepBoopBoop
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    bruh I just read the title and GLANCED at it. I have a freaking headache. If I looked at it any longer I probably would have a seizure. That place sucks lol

    RedRose
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Try finding that pot in the middle of the night with one eye only a quarter of the way open

    Dkside
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The more I look at this, the more I see someone laughing as they mark up the entire bathroom. Enjoy the "Sharpie Collection". Coming to a home store near you.

    Zephynescent
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think it might be this guy's house... https://people.com/home/uk-artist-mr-doodles-spent-three-years-covering-his-entire-house-in-his-signature-doodles/#:~:text=Sam%20C*x%2C%20known%20professionally%20as,frequently%20colors%20in%20his%20works It gives me anxiety looking at it lol

    Gladys Hayes Southerland
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Smh. There's no relief anywhere inside or outside. I have vertigo-this would send me over the edge into the unknown never to return in this life

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    Gladys Hayes Southerland
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I looked several times-still don't know but l had to keep looking away bc it started moving. You know if a person was teetering on the edge of insanity... This wd do it

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    nancy
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When the time-out room is the bathroom, and the kid has a sharpie...

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    To gain more insight on this topic, we reached out to Lucas Gray, creator of Modern ADU Plans. First, we asked Lucas where his enthusiasm for architecture came from. “I've always been fascinated by the built environment and never really considered other professions,” he told Bored Panda. “That being said, I never actually made it to becoming a licensed architect despite two architecture degrees and over 15 years practicing architecture and design.”

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    “Instead, I've worked at architecture firms in 3 continents, joined marketing teams at a firm in the US, started an architecture studio with a couple of partners, worked as an artist, led community design workshops in Japan, write about architecture on blogs and magazines, and now work as a business consultant for architecture firms,” Lucas shared. “My career is interwoven with the profession of architecture, but I didn't follow the traditional path to licensure.”   

    #13

    Good Dog

    Good Dog

    Lenore Lowen Report

    #15

    Tell Me You Really Like Spicy Food Without Telling Me You Like Spicy Food

    Tell Me You Really Like Spicy Food Without Telling Me You Like Spicy Food

    Tamara Gurevich Report

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    We also asked Lucas why it’s important to hire a skilled architect for every building project. “The value architects bring is similar to a conductor of an orchestra or the director of a film,” he explained. “Architects are skilled at bringing together a wide range of stakeholders and experts and facilitate collaboration to deliver creative solutions to complicated problems. Whether it is designing a custom home or a large commercial development, there are thousands of decisions and dozens of people that need to coordinate their work in order to achieve success. Architects help give projects a creative vision, interpret clients goals and ideas, develop solutions that meet codes and regulations, and craft beautiful spaces that are safe, functional, and inspiring. Not every building is required to have an architect, but every project would benefit from having one leading the team.”   

    #16

    I Know Stairs Have Been Done, A Lot. But Seriously, These Are Terrifying

    I Know Stairs Have Been Done, A Lot. But Seriously, These Are Terrifying

    Tina A. Jandrow Report

    #17

    Better Make Sure Everyone Has Up To Date Life Insurance Policies

    Better Make Sure Everyone Has Up To Date Life Insurance Policies

    Allison Beer McKenzie Report

    #18

    Skateboard Heaven

    Skateboard Heaven

    Stuart France Report

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    Ga Di
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    don´t hire Australian builders for work in northern hemisphere...

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    We were also curious about any of the worst examples of architecture Lucas has ever seen. “The worst examples of architecture are typically when no one was in charge, there was no vision or plan, or there were incompetent people executing the project,” he told Bored Panda. “I also feel that architecture fails when the buildings weren't designed for how humans interact with the city. A beautiful building designed by a starchitect that doesn't interact with the streetfront is just terrible as an ugly building with no design quality. Good architecture needs to both be attractive and functional as an individual object yet also needs to positively impact the community around it.” 

    #20

    In Case You Like To Cook With A Harness And A Latex Mask

    In Case You Like To Cook With A Harness And A Latex Mask

    Nicolás Masloff Bonin Report

    #21

    Nope. I Do Not Trust That Top Bed Framing One Bit

    Nope. I Do Not Trust That Top Bed Framing One Bit

    Allison Beer McKenzie Report

    When it comes to some of the most common mistakes architects make, Lucas shared, “Too often architects focus on the image vs the messiness of life within their creations. They want the pristine rendering or money shot to show on their portfolio or on Instagram, and sometimes this comes at the cost of making spaces that engage the street, are pleasant places for people to occupy, or creating efficient functional interiors. Form too often dominates function when it comes to the architecture that is most celebrated.”

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    “I have grown to be much more fond of relatively understated designs that are simple yet elegant solutions to complex problems,” Lucas continued. “I love buildings that use simple material pallets but in new and creative ways. More architects should ask how their buildings feel for their occupants, how the building interacts with the city or landscape around it, and how they can have a positive impact on the world.”

    #22

    Ooooo A Private Balcony................. For The Birds

    Ooooo A Private Balcony................. For The Birds

    Paige Hill Oliverio Report

    #23

    Ok…. Ummmm…. Yeah I Got Nothing For This

    Ok…. Ummmm…. Yeah I Got Nothing For This

    Belladonna Took Report

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    Lola Atkinson
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks like a fancy petrol (gas) station. Very strange and unflattering combination of materials.

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    #24

    No Words . .

    No Words . .

    Odille Esmonde-Morgan Report

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    David
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Now I'm picturing dog and/or toddler sticking their face through that hole and asking if they can come in.

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    “Too often people think about architects when they see large scale projects like museums, airports, commercial office towers, or maybe government or institutional projects,” Lucas told Bored Panda. “Yet even very small projects can benefit from great design. I've focused a lot of my design career on very small-scale projects from parklets (street seats), installations, small retail projects, and especially residential projects like custom homes, renovations and additions, and ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units).”

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    “I like being able to design spaces that people call home. Good design has immense power to impact how people live and how they feel in their home. This is what I love about designing,” Lucas shared. “It is also why I started Modern ADU Plans. The goal is to make good design more affordable for all homeowners. I'd love to see every residential property have an ADU in the backyard, adding much needed housing while densifying our neighborhoods in a sustainable way. ADUs are small projects but can have big impacts, and good design is an important ingredient in that recipe.”

    If you'd like to learn more about Lucas' ADUs, be sure to visit Modern ADU Plans' website right here!

    #25

    I Have To Imagine The Second Floor Is… Dark?

    I Have To Imagine The Second Floor Is… Dark?

    Rachel Smalling Report

    #26

    I See Fear. Death Stairs And A Ladder Beneath The Toilet? At Least They Added Some Flowers To Make It More Inviting

    I See Fear. Death Stairs And A Ladder Beneath The Toilet? At Least They Added Some Flowers To Make It More Inviting

    Jane Jones Report

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    Shark Lady
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That bit of wood by the stairs is a hatch you can close to get to the toilet. The ladder like thing is shelves.

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    #27

    I Have Many Questions

    I Have Many Questions

    Tina A. Jandrow Report

    Are you suddenly feeling like your own home is actually a lot more impressive than you previously thought? If it’s sturdy and doesn’t get roasted online for looking ridiculous, great job! We hope you’re getting a kick out of these architectural fails; keep upvoting your favorites and let us know in the comments what the worst building design you’ve ever witnessed was. Then, if you still haven’t checked out our previous articles featuring You Should Have Hired an Architect, you can find them right here and here!

    #28

    Bathrooms The Make You Say Wth?!?!

    Bathrooms The Make You Say Wth?!?!

    Aaron Kalbfeld Report

    #30

    Entropy In The Bathroom!

    Entropy In The Bathroom!

    Aaron Kalbfeld Report

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    Lola Atkinson
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I guess the black mould spray isn't going to cut it. You could produce blue cheese in this bathroom.

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    #31

    Architecture Of Social Responsibility. Soviet Brutalism

    Architecture Of Social Responsibility. Soviet Brutalism

    Daniella On Design Report

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    Phobrek
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is that black square a solar energy thing, or just a void to suck your soul into oblivion?

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    #32

    This Is Some Sort Of Death Trap For Adventurous Kids (And Perhaps Adults), Right?

    This Is Some Sort Of Death Trap For Adventurous Kids (And Perhaps Adults), Right?

    Allison Beer McKenzie Report

    #34

    I'm A Real Estate Photographer And Ran Into This Less Than Ideal Placement. Anything Larger Than A Child's Hand Cannot Flush

    I'm A Real Estate Photographer And Ran Into This Less Than Ideal Placement. Anything Larger Than A Child's Hand Cannot Flush

    Brad Falkner Report

    #35

    Finally. A Dust Ledge Put To Good Use

    Finally. A Dust Ledge Put To Good Use

    Sandra Eve Report

    #36

    Pitched Roof’s Invention!

    Pitched Roof’s Invention!

    Pablo Zebari Report

    #37

    Apparently The Glass Frosts When You Lock The Door, But I Still Ask, Why?

    Apparently The Glass Frosts When You Lock The Door, But I Still Ask, Why?

    Allison Beer McKenzie Report

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    foofoofloofy
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is nobody going to mention the fact that there's CANDY wallpaper in a BATHROOM?

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    #38

    I Would Actually Love To Live In A House With A Live Roof. But What Could Go Wrong?

    I Would Actually Love To Live In A House With A Live Roof. But What Could Go Wrong?

    Liz Ditz Report

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    rob
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This actually has lots of advantages as well. Good insulation and good at absorbing rain water which can be a big problem in urban areas leading to flooding of the streets. And cleans the air in cities. I hope we see more of this in the future.

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    #39

    It's Certainly Unique. I Wish The Listing Had Interior Photos!

    It's Certainly Unique. I Wish The Listing Had Interior Photos!

    Allison Beer McKenzie Report

    #40

    Rental In Toronto ... This Is The Kitchen Pic. Seriously, Wtf

    Rental In Toronto ... This Is The Kitchen Pic. Seriously, Wtf

    Marion Wyatt Upshall Report

    #41

    Someone Forgot To Coordinate The Window Height

    Someone Forgot To Coordinate The Window Height

    Allison Beer McKenzie Report

    #42

    An Igloo In Eastern Pa? Does Seem To Be A Home

    An Igloo In Eastern Pa? Does Seem To Be A Home

    Liam Davis Report

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    Christian Fuller
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've seen lots of homes that are geodesic domes. This is the first I've seen that was raised up from ground level.

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    #43

    Ocean County, Nj

    Ocean County, Nj

    Linda Verkade Report

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    #45

    At Least They Have A View. And Trust Me, The View On The Other Side Is Beautiful Overlooking Lake Michigan North Of Traverse City By An Hour Or So. This Side…. Not So Much

    At Least They Have A View. And Trust Me, The View On The Other Side Is Beautiful Overlooking Lake Michigan North Of Traverse City By An Hour Or So. This Side…. Not So Much

    Jason Berg Report

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    Michelle Carlson
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That property, despite the house, is worth millions. Traverse City is for $$$ folks

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    #46

    They Hired A Cabinet Maker To Design The Heliodome

    They Hired A Cabinet Maker To Design The Heliodome

    Rob Bruno Report

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    KDS
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you put a rod on top of the building you will have a really good toy top. Ok I know this comment is confusing but I had no idea how else to say it.

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    #47

    I Have No Words

    I Have No Words

    Keli Keely Report