It looks like plans to preserve the historic Arnold Auditorium school house on the corner of Lakeville and Hosner roads in Addison Township have unfortunately slowed down.
Ron Campbell, a historical architect for Oakland County Planning & Economic Development, created a preservation report this past August which detailed the steps that needed to be taken in order to save the 151-year-old building.
But so far, no one ? even the building’s owners, the Addison Township Community Church (ACC) ? has made the move to do anything about it.
‘I can honestly say we haven’t made a move in any direction,? said George Newbegin, an ACC elder. ‘I don’t have any information for you.?
Although the church has maintained that they will have no use for the structure, even if it is preserved, they are willing to donate it for relocation. As a private, non-taxable entity, the church cannot secure any grants, loans or use any tax credits to fund the project.
According to his report, Campbell concluded that there are two paths of preservation for the building: one, have a non-profit group or township government acquire the structure and some property, keep the building at its present location and seek funds to restore it; or two, have a non-profit group or township government acquire the structure and relocate it for use elsewhere.
If Arnold Auditorium is moved, however, Campbell wrote it will be ‘ineligible? for designation as a historic building at the state and national level.
‘But if Arnold Auditorium remains at its present location its adaptive use potential may be limited,? Campbell wrote.
In his report, Campbell suggested moving the building to the Watershed Preserve in Addison Twp., where it could serve as a nature center, or even a museum for the township.
Structurally, Campbell said he doesn’t ‘feel the building is in immediate danger of collapse,? but that the deteriorated sill plate along the west wall, which is used to anchor the foundation wall, needs to be replaced in order to make it safe for entry.
‘It is anticipated that the physical condition assessment of the NW corner and sill plate can be completed for approximately $300,? Campbell wrote.
So far, the church, township and county are all in agreement that Arnold Auditorium should be preserved ? it’s just a matter of getting the ball rolling.
Because the ACC owns the property the building is located on, Addison Township Supervisor Bob Koski said it’s their turn to make a move.
‘We’re not gonna tell someone what to do with their own property,? he said.
In his report, Campbell suggested the formation of a preservation study committee, which would be made up of two church representatives, two township officials, two community members, a member of a nature conservancy or the Polly Ann Trailway Management Council, the township building inspector and even a representative from the Oxford School District.
The committee would have to develop a strategic master plan, identify a use for the building and grant an entity ownership.
Diane Welch-Sears, of San Juan Capistrano, CA is ready to help.
Her great-grandparents were Jossman and Grace Arnold, who were early settlers in the area and helped establish the first Arnold School on Hosner Rd. north of Lakeville Rd., which predated 1853, before the current building was built. Her great-great-grandfather, Ami Arnold, helped pay for the building of the Arnold Church, now known as the ACC. Because of her historical connection to the area, she is very passionate about the historic building being preserved.
‘I am very much concerned and I want to do anything I can to help preserve this building,? she said. ‘I would hope that they would bring me into the loop.?
Welch-Sears said she’s been working with Campbell as far as the history of the building, but that she hasn’t had contact with anyone at the church yet. ‘I would be willing to do anything they need,? she said. ‘I want to help.?