BIRMINGHAM, Mich. – The city of Birmingham has finalized a $5.2 million purchase for the Community House building and property, an endowment worth approximately $800,000 and two Marshall Fredericks sculptures.
The city bought the property on behalf of the City of Birmingham Community House Foundation (CHF).
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CHF is a charitable organization established to own and operate the Birmingham Community House at 380 S. Bates Street.
The City of Birmingham is the sole member of the CHF, ensuring the building can remain preserved for the city and residents.
The CHF board will operate under the Michigan Open Meetings Act to retain transparency within the community.
Last fall, the previous Community House owners announced they were converting into a foundation and selling the building.
The century-old institution faced financial difficulties that led to Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March of this year.
The city aims to use the building as a community center for all residents, honoring the founders’ intent, and protecting public access to multifunctional programming.
The city says the Community House will retain a daycare, continue to host events such as weddings and meetings, and rebuild the programming for the community.
The CHF board will soon adopt bylaws, appoint officers, form committees and begin fundraising.
Birmingham native and actor Tim Allen, best known for playing Tim “The Toolman” Taylor on the ABC sitcom Home Improvement, has offered to match dollar-for-dollar up to $100,000 in donations before the end of this year.
Beginning Friday, July 10, donations will be accepted by mail to City of Birmingham Community House Foundation, 151 Martin St., Birmingham, MI 48009 Attn: Mark Clemence.
All checks should be marked as payable to the City of Birmingham Community House Foundation.
Click here to learn more about the City of Birmingham Community House Foundation and view meeting materials.