COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Coldwater Planning Commission will be asked to approve a Special Land Use permit request Monday night from Southern Michigan Bank and Trust so that the former Gillespie Funeral Home can be used as a multi family dwelling.
Southern Michigan Bank & Trust owns the property at 27 Marshall Street. They recently announced they were working with the City of Coldwater and the State of Michigan on grant funding which would be used to restore the building and turn it into a seven unit housing structure that would be known as “Southern Flats.”
The project is contingent upon receiving Michigan Economic Development Corporation funding through its Rental Rehabilitation program since a substantial investment is required to rehabilitate the structure and bring it up to code.
Through this program, the project is eligible for $420,000 of grant funding to help offset the total project cost which is currently estimated at $1 million.
City Planner Dean Walrack says in his report for Monday’s meeting that five of the seven residential units are proposed to be one-bedroom units while the other two would be studio units. He goes on to say, “The building was purpose-built to be used as a funeral parlor with a second-story residence, but has been affected by a deed restriction which prevents it from ever being used for that purpose again. The building is within the Downtown Historic District and is not able to be demolished, however the garage is intended to be removed. The Historic District Commission has already determined that the proposed alterations to the building are of a nature which administrative staff may approve.”
In addtition, Walrack says Southern will be required to submit additional electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and building plans when applying for the respective permits. Their final floor plans will also need to be approved by local Fire Marshal and Building Inspector.
Comments