Demolition of Acme complex in Jackson supported by speakers at public hearing

By Keith Roberts
Jackson Citizen Patriot
Wednesday July 22, 2009, 11:16 PM

Acme Industries occupies a place in Jackson’s history, but the buildings that remain aren’t worth saving.

That was the consensus of opinion Wednesday at a public hearing on the proposed demolition of the complex.

The buildings, 600 to 626 N. Mechanic St., were part of a prison factory system that played a key role in Jackson’s industrial development and continued to operate into the 1980s.

The complex was to be the home of Armory Arts Village, and efforts were made to list it on the National Register of Historic Places. But after extensive soil contamination was found, the artist community moved to the former National Guard Armory and state prison down the street.

The State Historic Preservation Office has acknowledged the need to demolish the buildings. Wednesday’s hearing at City Hall was held because the federal Advisory Council of Historic Preservation asked for additional public input.

Tenants of Art 634 and residents of Armory Arts Village said demolishing the complex would improve the neighborhood.

“It will be wonderful for Art 634 to have a clear view,” said Margaret Riggle, manager of Art 634.

Judy Gail Krasnow, a resident of Armory Arts Village, said she is all for saving history, but the buildings are “beyond development.”

Jackson City Manager William Ross paraphrased the book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible in support of demolition.

“This building had its time. It served its purpose,” Ross said.

The buildings are owned by The Enterprise Group of Jackson, which has secured about $750,000 for the demolition with the help of the city, U.S. Rep. Mark Schauer and the Jackson County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority.

“We need to capitalize on the funding while we have it available,” said Amy Torres, director of economic development for The Enterprise Group.

The Enterprise Group hopes to have the buildings torn down over the winter to clear the way for construction of the Grand River ArtsWalk in the spring.