Building and Grounds Committee Discusses Plans for Old Medical Center
By Leslie Rott

Plans for city employee apartments at the old medical center building on Market Street dominated discussion at the city's Lighting, Public Grounds, and Buildings Committee meetings Thursday, June 29. The building now houses a Michigan State Trooper in one apartment and two female traffic officers in another, both on the second floor, but the first floor and basement are vacant in the summer and the building is not used during the winter.

The plan being studied by the committee includes four bedrooms on the main floor, possibly with a private bathroom for each, three bedrooms in the basement, and two twobedroom apartments on the second floor.

"This arrangement is a whole lot better than what they are living in now," said City Engineer Dennis Dombroski of the new plans.

"Let me tell you, this is pretty nice living for Mackinac Island," observed committee member Dan Wightman.

The Committee had narrowed the plans to one for the basement, one for the main floor, and one for the second floor, but several concerns will send the plans back to the architect for revisions. Bathrooms with only showers and no tubs was a concern for several committee members, who suggested that shower-tub combinations be installed rather than just a shower, since residency will change annually and some people prefer one over the other.

The committee also wants to study the existing heating system before it decides whether to replace it.

Other possible changes to the plans include adding a small efficiency kitchen and a freezer in the basement, adding attic storage space, and installing stackable washers and dryers.

"It's a great place and a great project that I would really like to see move forward," said Mr. Wightman. "When we get done, I don't want to hear about this building for quite a while."

The building's facade will be kept similar to its current design, which the committee feels is historic.

Once the plans are revised and cost estimates are made, a recommendation will be made to the city council.

The goal is to have the building renovated by next spring.

Council approved $15,880 for architectural services at its April 24 meeting.

In other business at the meeting, the committee discussed the need to replace the concrete apron of Fire Station 2 at Surrey Hills. The concrete has cracked and sunk owing to the weight of the fire truck.

"It's never going to get better, it's only going to get worse," Mr. Dombroski said. Estimated cost for a new apron is more than $3,000.

In a related matter, Mr. Wightman announced that Mike Gamble has offered to donate his time to replace the roof on Fire Station 2 and has found a supplier to donate materials.

The committee will recommend to the city council that railings on several city-owned buildings, including Community Hall, be replaced because they are rotting, unstable, and unsightly.

"This is a no-brainer. Let's do this immediately," Frank Bloswick said.

The committee also discussed the possibility of replacing the basement floor of the Stuart House Museum on Market Street. The cobblestone floor has several elevations which make it inaccessible to the public. The committee is suggesting that museum displays could be added there if the floor were level and accessible.

The Committee will also recommend to the city council that it waive the rental fee at the Community Hall for Pilates classes the Mackinac Arts Council wants to schedule for Tuesday and Saturday mornings and Thursday evenings.

The recommendation will require that the room be left in good condition after each use.

"That will be up to the rest of Council, but I am agreeable to waiving the fee," said Armand "Smi" Horn.