Progress Update – April 2009

by The 1910 Historic Restoration Group

Boyne City Water Works (“1910”) Building

Why We’re Here

A Beginning

• A group of people discussed local issues at the Boyne City Picnic

• Consensus was to save the building• The group grew by word of mouth• Presentation to Boyne City Commission• Commissioners agreed to stabilize the

building over the winter and• Charged the group with finding a use

Organization• 1910 Historic Restoration Group formed• Mission: “to determine the feasibility of restoration. The group

will work with the City and community to determine the future purpose of the building and to assist in raising funds necessary for restoration.”

• Elected officers (Co-Chairs, Treasurer, Secretary)• Formed subcommittees (Fund Raising, Grant Writing,

Marketing & PR, History)• Held monthly meetings• Published web site: www.1910Building.com

Public Interest

• Initial petition received ~ 400 signatures• Two donations received• Presentations to Lions, Kiwanis, Charlevoix

County History Preservation Society• Continue to draw 20 or more people to our

meetings• Working on press releases, etc. with

appropriate timing

Why We Should Save the Building

It’s Historic

The pumping station was built in 1910 to pump water to three reservoirs with a combined capacity of 1.65 million gallons.

Unusual Architecture

“For a small utilitarian building, it has some very elaborate architectural flourishes ... The building’s front stepped parapet, corbelled brick courses, bracketed corners, and decorative window heads give the building a significant architectural presence, despite its small size.” Architect Richard Neumann

It’s Feasible & Cost-Effective

“Certainly the building can be renovated for far less money than the cost to build a comparably sized structure of similar construction. And it is very unlikely that a building of this architectural caliber would ever be built to replace it. The old Water Works building is quite unique, architecturally significant, and historically important to the Boyne City community.” - Richard Neumann, Architect

What Should We Do With It?

Honor historical significance and continue the original use of Boyne City’s 1910 Water Works Building

Showcase Boyne City’s Treasures

Permanent Displays Inside and Outside

• The LaFrance Fire Engine, the Bell, and the Clock

• History Exhibit of Boyne City Water Works – photographs, artifacts, and the original infrastructure

• Pipe & Valve Art Sculpture

• Pipe & Valve Play Structure

Revolving displays shared by various city & county groups

Take Advantage of the Location

Informational display

Public restrooms

Drinking fountain

Gateway to the Park: Attract visitors to Avalanche Preserve Recreation Area

Return to Service

Fully-functioning new Boyne City water booster station