Former Flat Rock student seeks to save historic building

FLAT ROCK (CBS DETROIT) – A former pupil has a proposal to save lots of a historic college constructing from the wrecking ball. 

She’s the newest particular person to step as much as defend a bit of historical past on this group. 

Drive via the guts of Flat Rock and it is arduous to overlook the Studying constructing on Gibraltar Street. close to Division Road.

“If there was a twister on this city that hit this may be the one constructing on the town standing due to its construction,” Bruce Chapin, president of the Flat Rock Historic Society mentioned whereas declaring the metal strengthened concrete used throughout building in 1911.

Even in disrepair it has withstood time, however in November the Board of Training voted to knock down the 112-year-old constructing regardless of lots of of locals signing a petition from the Flat Rock Historic Society in particular person and on Change.org to reserve it.

“It could be a giant vacant spot on the town,” Chapin instructed CBS Detroit. “The town isn’t transferring ahead if you are going to construct parking tons.”

Now Jennifer Schoenberger, an alum of Flat Rock Neighborhood Colleges, who owns an inside design agency, has reached out to the superintendent with an thought to buy the constructing and repurpose it. 

“I’d like to see it as extra of like a group pupil heart, I wish to monetize it, create some extra residual earnings for the college district,” Schoenberger mentioned. “Let’s provide you with a brand new superior resolution for this constructing that is smart for the college that is smart for the taxpayers, and all of the residents that need to see it saved.”

Finally the way forward for this constructing is within the arms of the college board.

Its president, Norman Haase of Hasse Development instructed CBS Detroit over the cellphone that the board is sticking by their resolution to tear down the constructing and will not contemplate another proposal. 

So, there’s a likelihood that the matter might find yourself within the courts.

“In the event that they’re simply going to offer us that complete ‘no, no, we do not need personal’–like not keen to return just a bit bit midway and meet us midway. My husband and I are ready to file an emergency injunction to cease the demolition,” Schoenberger instructed CBS Detroit. 

The varsity superintendent Andrew Brodie despatched CBS Detroit this assertion:

“Thanks to your curiosity in Flat Rock Neighborhood Colleges. The Faculty District did obtain an e-mail from Mrs. Schonenberger [sic] concerning the Studying Constructing. The Flat Rock Neighborhood Colleges Board of Training unanimously permitted the demolition of the constructing on the November 21, 2022 frequently scheduled assembly. The Faculty District has been open and clear on this course of and the board stands by the choice that was made in November. The Faculty District is future targeted [sic] on creating the absolute best studying environments for our college students, employees and group.”

“We’re asking, please simply pump the brakes on the demolition, give us time, we have now all these those who need to save this constructing,” Schoenberger mentioned.