DETROIT – A fire ripped through a sixth Heidelberg Project home Friday morning, leveling the "Party Animal" house to the ground.
For the ninth time since last May, Detroit firefighters have battled flames at the art installation, which is near Mount Elliot Street and Mack Avenue.
Tyree Guyton founded the project in 1986 as a response to urban decay. The sculpture park mixes vacant houses and empty yards with artistic themes.
"Detroit can't give up," Guyton said.
George Jones and his wife live next door to the famous house, which was covered with stuffed animals and dolls. They weren't physically hurt by the fire, but said it's left a mark on the neighborhood.
"It was the most popular house here. The kids would come here to do tours," Jones said.
Cindy Holloway has lived on Mount Elliot for 60 years.
"I get tired of waking up to this," Holloway said. "People in the area think they can take over and do what they want to do. In the long run, the people who live here are the ones who are affected."
There have been no arrests, but local and federal officials are investigating. There is a $5,000 reward in the case.
Guyton said security cameras and new lights have been in the process of going up. All of the street light surrounding the Animal House were out at the time of the fire, Guyton said.
Timeline of Heidelberg House fires
May 3, 2013 - "Obstruction of Justice"
November 12, 2013 - "House of Soul"
November 21, 2013 - "The Penny House"
November 28, 2013 - "War House"
December 8, 2013 - "Clock House"