COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The City of Coldwater Historic District Commission is expected to decide tonight the fate of the former Gillespie Funeral Home. The building located downtown on Marshall Street just north of U.S. 12 would be demolished if the Commission follows the recommendation of city staff. It is listed as a historically contributing structure to the downtown historic district.
The demolition has been requested by Southern Michigan Bank & Trust, which purchased the property at public auction. It had been for sale since the business was bought by the Dutcher Funeral Home with no interest from potential buyers.
Razing the building, which was constructed in 1920, would not detract from the historic district as a whole according to the findings of city staff. Their recommendation says the demolition of the former Gillespie Funeral Home 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.
Tonight’s Coldwater Historic District Commission meeting begins at 6 p.m. in the City Council Chamber
