The Kelsey Block in downtown Three Rivers to undergo renovation

Bruce Monroe, owner of the Kelsey Block at 39-43 N. Main Street in downtown Three Rivers, will receive design assistance services through the Michigan Main Street Center.

Michigan Main Street Design Specialist Debra Johnson met with Monroe for an on-site consultation and prepared a written report that included paint samples, historic photos, a maintenance schedule and further resources to assist in making improvements to the building.

"While we had a good overview of what our building required in terms of repair, refreshing and otherwise updating in concert with historical rehab guidelines and preferred practices, the Michigan Main Street Center provided insight and direction in very specific detail to guide our restoration process," Monroe says. He adds that he has had experience working on historic buildings in the past, but "the availability of expertise beyond our own experiences was helpful and appreciated.”

The Kelsey Block was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. The building was built in 1854 and is described as a three-story, nine-bay wide, Victorian Italianate block.

Monroe applied for the Design Services this past summer. His application was unanimously approved by the Three Rivers DDA/Main Street Design Committee. It received highest marks on significance, implementation, visibility, appropriateness, and simplicity.

Monroe will be able to apply for funding through the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and the National Park Service.

Monroe says they will use the remainder of the year to finalize renovation plans, and hope to begin work on the building in the spring of 2016. Preliminary plans include re-pointing and masonry work, painting, awning treatments, and interior remodeling.

Monroe is the third and final recipient of the design assistance for the 2015 fiscal year.

Source: Three Rivers Downtown Development Authority