Organization

Jackson leaders bid farewell to Acme Building complex; structure to be demolished next week

By Keith Roberts | Jackson Citizen Patriot
Friday, February 5, 2010

The Acme Building complex, a symbol of Jacksons prison and manufacturing past, is soon to be gone but not forgotten.

Those words were used Friday by Amy Torres, director of economic development for The Enterprise Group of Jackson, who is probably more responsible than anyone for the complexs impending implosion.

Torres gave the closing remarks at a ceremony commemorating the history of the complex.

Torres borrowed the phrase from a series of photographs of the complex by Jackson artist Willa Davis and said it described the way she felt about getting rid of the attractive nuisance.

About 75 dignitaries attended the event. The complex, 600 to 626 N. Mechanic St., will come down next week and clear the way for the construction of the Grand River ArtsWalk in the spring.

Pitsch Companies of Grand Rapids is demolishing the complex, which is owned by The Enterprise Group, for $247,360.

The complex was part of Jacksons prison factory system, which played a key role in its development. It was to be the home of Armory Arts Village, but the artist community moved down the street to the former National Guard Armory and state prison after extensive soil contamination was found.

Steve Shotwell, chair of the Jackson County Board of Commissioners, said the effort was the result of a county-city partnership. Jackson Mayor Karen Dunigan agreed and said it proves once again we are better together.

After the ceremony, several dignitaries took swings at the northeast corner of the main building with sledge hammers and an excavator began knocking down the graffiti-covered garage nearby.

The walk will start at Louis Glick Highway and Mechanic Street, which will be restored with bricks and have a bike lane, jog through Armory Arts Village and follow the Grand River to Monroe Street. It will be connected to Lions Park by a bridge.