Historic-Building-in-Jeopardy

F.P. VanBuren Cold Storage Building

Several months ago the Tax Increment Finance Authority (TIFA) voted to tear down the F.P. VanBuren Cold Storage building located south of the railroad tracks and east of Putnam Street in Williamston.

Franklin VanBuren (known as F.P.) built the original building in 1892 to hold 5,000 crates of eggs until they were ready for shipment. It burned in 1901 and he rebuilt it, making it even larger and more modern. From this location he became known throughout the world as a shipper of eggs and other rural Michigan products.

Both Steve Eyke, a Williamston builder, restorer of old homes and owner of LaFollette Custom Homes Ltd. and Steve Stier, a professional barn restorer have examined the structure and feel that it is sound. Steve Eyke said he thought it was probably one of the best built buildings in this area.

At the October 20th TIFA meeting two Demolition Proposals were presented, one for approximately $98,000 and the other for $56,000. The committee voted to have the TIFA attorney draw up a plan to submit to the City Council for demolishing the structure. The City Council will hold a Public Hearing before deciding the fate of the structure.

Since the TIFA Meeting I have learned that Steve Eyke is submitting a bid of approximately $25,000 to TIFA to mothball the Cold Storage building. Mothballing a building entails closing it up temporarily to protect it from weather as well as securing it from vandals. This can be an effective means of protecting the building while planning the property's future, or raising money for a preservation, rehabilitation or restoration project.

Should the city tear down the Cold Storage building and eliminate possibilities for future use of the building when there is no apparent plan for something better to replace it? Would it be a more fiscally responsible use of tax payer money to spend the smaller amount to mothball it and keep options open for the future?

In the name of "progress" other historic buildings have been destroyed such as the elegant Leasia House (now Citizen's Bank) and the stately National Bank Building (northeast corner of Putnam and Grand River). At one time the Andrews Hotel (northwest corner of Putnam and Grand River) was to be torn down to be replaced by a gas station. It was saved as was the Williamston Depot Museum.

If you are interested in helping save the Cold Storage building, express your views by calling or writing members of TIFA or the City Council and attending the Public Hearing. A notice of the hearing will appear in the Williamston Enterprise and will be posted at City Hall and on the city's web site.

We will post new developments on this website, so check periodically to find out the latest. If you have questions or ideas, please contact Jane Johnson at 655-1030.

Latest on This Issue

At the December 15th TIFA meeting, the board voted to table the ammendment to tear down the cold storage building until an issue with the railroad is settled. They also voted to form a subcommittee to study the cold storage issue. Members of the committee include Peter Porticello, Paul Joseph and Steve Eyke.