Historical Society One Step Closer to Funeral Home Purchase but Still in Need of Funding

The Manchester Historical Society is working to secure funding to purchase the former Borek-Jennings funeral home located at 302 E. Main St. Photo courtesy of Manchester Historical Society

From a vision that began one year ago, the Manchester Area Historical Society is in the final steps of purchasing the former Borek-Jennings funeral home located at 302 E. Main St. on the corner of M-52. Closing, which is expected in mid-to early December, was contingent upon the Village’s approval of the rezoning request. The request for the zoning change was approved unanimously by Village Council at its meeting on Monday Nov. 16.

The request for zoning change had already been reviewed by the Planning Commission at its November 11th meeting. The Planning Commission along with village planners, Carlisle-Wortman had recommended the zoning change be approved by council as it was consistent with other nearby usages.

The Society intends to repurpose this building into its headquarters, a museum for artifacts and archives, a family and local history research center, and a community meeting space for its members and the public in a setting of Manchester-area history. The Society envisions several new outreach programs and activities to engage our residents in our community’s history.

Now that the property has been successfully rezoned, the last hurdle to closing is funding. Financing for the purchase has been arranged with Ann Arbor State Bank. The fundraising campaign, titled “Preserve the Corner,” has been ongoing for several weeks, and the Historical Society has raised about 60% of the $50,000 donation/pledge funds required by the bank at closing in December.

Community members, businesses and local organizations are being asked to provide whatever support they can for this community facility in our downtown. These contributions, both before and after the closing, will assist with principal payments, refurbishments and repairs, and program planning. The Society is also working with Washtenaw County and the State of Michigan on potential grant sources.

Monday also saw the Historical Society one step closer to a source of future revenue which may one day help offset the cost of the new headquarters. A subsequent Conditional Use permit application was requested so the Historical Society could rent out the existing second floor apartment (3 bedrooms, 2 baths). This request also passed unanimously by Council.

A donation/pledge form with more information is available here. MAHS – Preserve the Corner One Page Form. The Historical Society will be available to answer questions on the Manchester Christmas Home Tour December 5, at the blacksmith shop.

For more information on the history of the house and the Historical Society’s vision for the property read our October article HERE.

John Hamden Kingsley, builder of the home. Photo courtesy of Manchester Historical Society

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.