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UPDATE: City of Jackson, Enterprise Group get word that demolition of Acme building may proceed

By Jackson Citizen Patriot
Wednesday July 08, 2009, 12:37 PM

Jackson isn’t getting many new buildings these days, but at least it’s getting rid of an old, ugly one on contaminated soil.

Officials got word Wednesday that demolition of the former Acme Industries complex, which has been blocking the view of Art 634 and Armory Arts Village, can proceed.

“More than anything I think it will take care of an eyesore,” said state Rep. Martin Griffin, D-Jackson. “It will really open the area up.”

The Acme building at Ganson and Mechanic streets was the proposed site for Armory Arts. After soil contamination was found, the location was changed to the former National Guard Armory/state prison down the street.

Murals of local artists are still posted on the Ganson Street side of the building, but the windows are broken or boarded over and graffiti has been spray painted on the walls.

Jackson Mayor Jerry Ludwig said visitors to the city have told him the building looks “war torn” and he will be happy to get rid of it.

“The sight line will be improved 100 percent,” Ludwig said.

The Enterprise Group of Jackson, which owns the building, and the city of Jackson received funding earlier this year to tear down the building.

In February U.S. Rep. Mark Schauer helped The Enterprise Group secure $332,500 from the Department of Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act. In April the city was notified it would receive $1.7 million in federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program funds and agreed to set aside $375,000 for the demolition.

The Jackson County Brownfield Development Authority also agreed to contribute up to $50,000.

But the state Historic Preservation Office wanted more information before it would allow demolition to proceed.

Amy Torres, director of economic development for The Enterprise Group, said when the building was being considered as the site for the art community, efforts were made to get it listed on the National Register of Historic Places so the office had to make sure procedure was being followed.

Torres said the office moved quickly after it got the information and while the economic development organization and the office still have to sign a memorandum of understanding, the office agreed on the need for the demolition Wednesday.

“I’m thrilled,” Torres said. “It’s one more obstacle that we have overcome in getting that building down.”

Because of the soil contamination, the site will most like become a parking lot. An environmental review still needs to be conducted and the demolition needs to be rebid. Bids taken in 2005 ranged from $500,000 to $750,000.

Torres said The Enterprise Group hopes to have the building torn down over the winter so it won’t interfere with the construction of the Grand River Arts Walk in the spring.