COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The City of Coldwater Historic District Commission gave their approval to the planned demolition by the city of the building at 26 South Monroe Street Wednesday night.
City Planner Dean Walrack said in his report that the building is currently listed as non-contributing to the District due to the extensiveness of what were called inappropriate alterations it has undergone.
The City plans to tear down the structure and create a walkway between the Tibbits Plaza and South Monroe in order to facilitate pedestrian traffic flow through the downtown and to alleviate some parking concerns.
Additional plans that may be developed include public restrooms, bicycle parking or low-impact stormwater management.
The building used to house the law office of Eric Goodwin. Walrack said the building had been on the market for several years without any serious activity and there were some price cuts before the city bought it for $22,000 in May.
The nearly 115 year old building has long been altered and little historic detailing remains according to city officials.
The H.D.C. also gave their approval Wednesday night to the proposed rehabilitation of the structure at 21 West Chicago. Walrack indicated a lot of work will be done to the building which dates back to 1861.
He said the work would include the removal of awnings and the repainting of the front and back of the building.
The first floor used to be occupied by the Lamp Post Christian Bookstore. It will eventually be occupied by the Haas-Caywood law office which is currently at 22 West Pearl. The upper floors will remain residential.
