MUSKEGON, MI - The historic Hackley Administration building could be sold for $200,000.
The Muskegon Public Schools Board of Education is expected to vote on the matter at its regular meeting at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 18, at the Hackley Administration building, 349 W. Webster Ave. in Muskegon.
The potential buyer has offered $200,000 for the building plus up to $80,000 in moving costs for the district's administrative staff, said Superintendent Justin Jennings after a committee of the whole meeting on Monday, Sept. 17.
He declined to identify the potential buyer.
If approved by the board on Tuesday, the district would have up to 18 months to move the administrative offices to another location, Jennings said. Some options for the offices have been identified, including the J-Building at the high school or Muskegon City Hall.
The office would not be moved to a space that the district would have to pay to renovate, he said.
"This building is something that we can't keep up with," Jennings said. He estimated that roof repairs alone could cost up to $1 million.
The Hackley building, built in 1889 with money donated by Muskegon's most well-known philanthropist Charles Hackley, was once home to the city's school. It now serves as administrative offices but is larger than what's needed.
Finding a new use for the historic building has been a topic of discussion since at least 2012.
"It's a step in the right direction for us, and I think it's going to be a good steward of the building," Jennings said.
The building needs a new roof and other repairs. The third-floor auditorium is missing a large chunk of plaster from its vaulted ceiling. Some of the single-pane windows on the second floor have cracks. But the 129-year-old stone structure featuring ornate details and clock tower maintains its beauty and charm.
"My suggestion for this building was that - I'm all for him buying it - and I was just hoping we could lease the second floor," said board Secretary Pro-tem Billie Bruce. "That way we just have a long-term lease and not lose our identity. I don't think I know a school district that just moved out of its identity."
Jennings plans to present that option the buyer before the Tuesday board meeting.
The district would hopefully retain ownership of Hackley statue at the front of the building, he said.
"Not only is it valuable to us, but it's a valuable piece of history that we don't want to lose - just like the building but we don't have the upkeep of the building," Jennings said.
During Monday's meeting, Jennings also told the board about potential sales of the vacant Craig and Angell buildings.
The Muskegon Area Intermediate School District is interested in purchasing the Craig building for $25,000, he said. A different buyer has expressed interest in the Angell building.