This is the story of an old building in Grand Rapids Michigan, that is now being transformed and restored to its former glory.
A couple of months ago, while in Grand Rapids we stopped in to see the progress being made on a historic preservation project that is very near and dear to my heart. This beautiful 150-year-old church at Hermitage at Diamond, in the heart of Grand Rapids, was once a forlorn and dilapidated structure. That’s when we lived a few blocks away in Grand Rapids.
And that was before community leader, preservationist and friend, Carol Moore, took on the project. She has rescued a number of landmark buildings in the area over the last three decades and this is her most ambitious project to date. She is currently working to convert the building to a vibrant community art center.
Being that we were passing through, we were dying to see how the project is progressing and Carol graciously gave us a tour. It was wonderful to see the front stained-glass windows now fully restored as well as many other aspects of the project. Here are some photos,
Four years ago, when Bruce and I lived in Grand Rapids, and Carol was just getting the project off the ground, I created this painting as a donation and inspiration as to what the new building would look like. What a joy to see that dream, slowly but surely, now coming alive!
Some History:
The church at 1009 Hermitage, an imposing structure with stunning stained glass windows and a towering steeple, reflects the cultural history of Grand Rapids. Constructed in 1875 by the Third Reformed Church, it served the Dutch immigrant population living in the “Brikyaat,” or brickyard, neighborhood. Services were conducted primarily in Dutch un til 1944. When 1009 Hermitage was constructed, it was common for the Dutch community in Grand Rapids to build wood frame churches because they could be large and impressive at a lower cost than masonry structures. The original building was expanded several times within the first decade, and in 1900 a new parish house was built next door to replace an older building.
To find out more about the history, go to the Hermitage at Diamond website.
Click here if you would like to DONATE to this awesome project.
Thank you Carol and all the dedicated folk who are working on this project.
I will keep everyone updated and look forward to the grand opening of this dignified and grand historic structure!
Cheers, Leisa
