(Independent Photo/Karen Mead-Elford)
Baker College of Owosso officials want to remind the public that the deadline to present viable proposals for renovations to the deteriorating Lyon-Seegmiller House is Wednesday, June 15. In June of 2015, Baker’s Board of Regents voted to temporarily stabilize the house and once again entertain proposals to renovate the deteriorating structure to give interested organizations, either nonprofit or for profit, one year to submit a viable plan. To date, no proposals have been received.
Since June of 2014, Baker will accept only written proposals to rehabilitate the structure and consider selling it for $1 if a viable plan, with adequate financial resources, is brought forth, according to Richard Batchelor,
Baker Owosso’s Board of Regents Chairman. Baker reserves the right to accept or deny any plans, and to place deed restrictions accordingly. If an acceptable plan is not received in that time, the board of regents will demolish the structure.
“The passion for the home is obvious, but the financial backing to save the structure seems to be lacking,” explains Batchelor. “With no electric, water, heating or cooling, and no gas, the building continues to deteriorate. It has been void of utilities for many years. It contains asbestos in many areas. Unfortunately, without a proposal, the demise of this structure is imminent.”
Persons with solid ideas for the house should provide a formal written proposal including proof of how financial resources will be obtained to restore the home to Aaron Maike, Baker Owosso president.
