COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The City of Coldwater Historic District Commission has decided that more discussion is needed rather than demolition when it comes to the former Gillespie Funeral Home. Last night at the Commission’s regular October meeting, a motion to tear down the building failed to pass with 3 no against 2 yes votes. They then decided 5-0 to set the item for further discussion at the Commission’s next regular meeting on November 11.
The former Gillespie Funeral Home is located downtown on Marshall Street just north of U.S. 12. The proposed demolition was recommended by city staff after being been requested by Southern Michigan Bank & Trust which purchased the property at public auction.
The building, constructed in 1920, is listed as a historically contributing structure to the downtown historic district. Razing it would not detract from the historic district as a whole according to the findings of city staff who say rather that demolition would be a substantial benefit to the appearance of the community and provide an opportunity for further improvements to the City Hall, Four Corners Park and Randall Parking lot area.
Last night’s commission meeting lasted an hour and a half with 8 members of the public present in the audience.
