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Historic preservation group reports $100,000 two-year gift and discusses $2,500 assessment for Kalamazoo water tower
Summary
The Kalamazoo Historic Preservation Commission heard that longtime donors pledged a $100,000 gift to the O'Connor Fund over two years — a roughly 15% boost to the fund — and discussed using $2,500 from the fund to pay consultants for a one-day condition assessment of the state hospital/WMU water tower while ownership questions remain unresolved.
The Kalamazoo Historic Preservation Commission on Jan. 14 was told that long-time supporters have pledged a $100,000 gift to the commission’s O'Connor Fund spread over two years, and commissioners discussed whether the fund could pay for a $2,500 condition assessment of the city’s iconic state hospital/WMU water tower.
Pam, who presented the O'Connor Fund report, said the contribution would be a meaningful boost. “They've decided to make a $100,000 gift to the fund for 2 years,” she said, adding that the fund is “just a little bit under 700,000” and that the gift would raise its value by “almost 15% in today's dollars.”
Why it matters: The O'Connor Fund supports preservation projects and small emergency interventions. Commissioners said the reported gift could increase the commission’s capacity to respond to urgent needs and to expand grant and outreach work.
Water tower condition and assessment request
Later in the meeting, Sharon described masonry failure on the state hospital/WMU water tower and urged a quick condition look. She said the State Historic Preservation Office had suggested full repairs could exceed $1,000,000, but the commission lacks clear ownership information. “We don't know who owns it,” Sharon said, and described an offer from two consultants who performed a 2007 condition assessment to do a one-day inspection and produce a report for about $2,500.
Commissioners and staff said ownership and liability are the principal concerns. Luis (coordinator) and others urged confirming the chain of title before contracting major work and noted the community foundation holds the O'Connor Fund assets. One commissioner stressed checking with the city attorney about whether contracting the work or disbursing fund money would create liability for the commission or the fund’s custodian.
No formal vote was taken. Sharon asked the commission to consider contributing $2,500 from the O'Connor Fund to pay for the assessment so the group would have a documented condition report to guide fundraising and next steps. Staff said they would seek additional information from the state and the city attorney and would contact consultants Blair Bates and Tom Neil about timing and scope.
What’s next: Commissioners agreed to gather more information on ownership and liability and to report back after staff consultations. No spending decision was recorded at the Jan. 14 meeting.
