White Pigeon – Funds sought for building restoration

Details of a committee planning the restoration of a century-old building in White Pigeon were announced during this week’s village council meeting.

The Union Hall Building Restoration Committee hopes to raise enough funds to save the building that houses the Tasty Nut Shop and Silver Spoon Catering.

Gretchen Andersen, a retired White Pigeon Community Schools teacher, serves as chair of the committee. She said it is comprised of people interested in the building and have expertise in many capacities that, collectively, benefit the goal of restoration.

Andersen told village council members Wednesday that building owner Marjorie Hemminga hired a building engineer to identify structural needs. The engineer confirmed the building is not damaged beyond repair and noted necessary remedies.

Three contractors have examined the building and their reports are expected to be submitted in February, Andersen said.

Andersen and committee members acknowledge the restoration process could take possibly three years to complete and cost as much as $2 million.