COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Has the old Gillespie Funeral Home building really been saved from the wrecking ball? After action by the City of Coldwater Historic District Commission prevented Southern Michigan Bank and Trust from tearing down the vacant building on Marshall Street, the Coldwater Downtown Development Authority board will take up the issue next week.
The building was purchased by SMB&T at auction in July with the intention of tearing it down. City staff had recommended the demolition also, but the Historic District Commission did not approve the request. The building lies within both the Downtown Development Authority and Historic District Commission districts, so the DDA board is being urged to write a letter of support for the demolition to the HDC.
The DDA board discussed the matter at its November 18 meeting, but did not have a quorum to vote on a possible letter. They will meet again in a special session Wednesday, December 2 at 8 a.m. at the Henry L.Brown Muncipal Building.
