The old Springfield Township Hall will be saved, but by a private businessman rather than a ‘Save Our Hall? committee.
The township board accepted a purchase offer of $210,000 for the building at 650 Broadway in downtown Davisburg, about two years after township offices moved to the new civic center.
Attorney Dennis Strelchuk hopes to occupy the building by June, operating his legal practice and offering part of the 5,500-square-foot space for lease to other businesses.
The township board settled for considerably less money. In December 2001, the building was appraised at $300,000. Last year, the board listed it with a Realtor for $275,000 and rejected a couple offers with less than satisfactory terms.
Supervisor Collin Walls and Treasurer Jamie Dubre voted against Strelchuk’s offer. Walls said he was hoping for more money, but admitted the sale is a good thing.
‘There will be another business in downtown Davisburg,? Walls said. ‘He’s planning significant modernization of the interior.?
The hall was built in 1902, and some hoped the government would allow citizens to use the old hall for music presentations, theater workshops, art classes and other meetings to promote community and culture.
‘I’m very disappointed in the leadership,? Diane Wozniak said. ‘I can understand their thinking, but I don’t agree with it.?
Wozniak and others had tried to convince Walls of the potential for community activities, but he maintained that no one had shown a need for a public hall in addition to existing facilities at the new civic center, local schools and the Hart Community Center.
Strelchuk, who has his current practice on Dixie Highway and is a member of the township zoning board, said the purchase is good for him and the community.
‘I’m pretty committed to the community,? he said, and ‘It fits what I need personally.?
Strelchuk said his plans for renovation will include both interior and exterior.
‘It really needs a lot of work,? he said, noting damage to the brick finish a few years ago when a power washer was used to clean it. He plans a new ‘slat look? facade consistent with other downtown buildings.
‘It will all look uniform,? he said.