Every city has them: old buildings, once grand but now falling gently into decay. For many, their fate is to suffer one of three destinies. They might be left to deteriorate further, casting a pall on the area that surrounds them. They may be torn down, razed to make way for more utilitarian buildings, less interesting but perhaps better suited to modern needs. Or they could be put to use, becoming carelessly cobbled together offices or residences reused by those who ignore their former elegance and disregard their architectural integrity and historic significance.

Fortunately for Lansing, another fate awaits some of our distinguished old structures. Developers, property owners and others who harbor a respect for the past and a desire to see the buildings regain their former glory and be put to good use by a whole new generation have taken on the task of renovating, restoring and rehabilitating these historic gems.

The Christman Company, originally founded in 1894 in South Bend, Indiana, is one of those companies doing something about honoring the past. Their Lansing headquarters was established in 1915 and has continuously operated in the same building since that time. As the company grew, branch offices were established in Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor northern Michigan and, most recently, Washington D.C. Professional staff numbers 116 with a full range of project managers, superintendents, engineers, estimators, quality control specialists, information technology specialists and administrative personnel. Their subsidiary, Christman Construction, Inc., has a staff of 230 including a full contingent of skilled craftspeople and laborers.

Look just about anywhere in Lansing and you’ll see the work of The Christman Company. Even an abridged list could fill pages. Some of Christman’s past work* includes:

• Michigan State College Agriculture Hall (1908) (President and CEO of Christman Steve Rosnowski said of this building, still in use, “We build them to last.”)
• Central Methodist Church (1922)
• Downtown YWCA (1927)
• Michigan State College Electrical Engineering Building (1947)
• Michigan Bell Building (1928)
• Moore’s Park Station Municipal Power Plant (1928)
• Walnut Street School for Crippled Children (1937)

Here’s just a sampling of recent local projects:

• Breslin Student Events Center at Michigan State University
• Wharton Center for the Performing Arts at MSU
• City Center Redevelopment, East Lansing
• Ingham Regional Medical Center Master Facilities Plan
• MSU Biophysical Sciences Building
• State of Michigan Hall of Justice

When we look statewide and even nationwide, the list gets even longer, including such major projects as the Genesee Power Station; healthcare facilities in Mt. Pleasant, Mt. Clemons, Petosky, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo; educational projects at Albion College, Central Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University, University of Notre Dame, Hillsdale College and numerous community colleges; and many others.

A more complete list of Christman’s accomplishments can be found on their website.

An exciting part of Christman’s business is the exacting work they have done in historic preservation, restoration and renovation. Now comprising about 20 percent of their business, Christman has an impressive résumé of successes including the Frauenthal Theatre renovation in Muskegon, Fort Mackinac wall restoration, Notre Dame’s Main Administration Building and Hillsdale’s City Hall. Of particular local interest is the Turner Dodge Mansion restoration, Olds Plaza Hotel renovations and, most impressive, the $58,000,000 restoration of the Michigan State Capitol Building.

According to Rosnowski, “The Capitol Building was a challenge. It had been modified over the years and much of its unique beauty had been lost. We did extensive research and worked closely with preservation specialists, historians, engineers and construction professionals to bring the Capitol back to its original luster. Restoration is an arduous and expensive undertaking; it can often cost more than a completely new building.

“Based on the work we have done on our own Capitol and other historic renovations, we have built a national reputation for historic preservation work. We are now undertaking the restoration of the Virginia State Capitol, based on plans and models created in 1788 by its original architect, Thomas Jefferson.”

Currently under way is a hometown venture in restoration of particular interest to The Christman Company itself. In April of 2006, Christman purchased the Mutual Building, built in 1928 and a landmark in Downtown Lansing, for use as their new corporate headquarters. According to Rosnowski, “We’d outgrown our present building and were looking for a new home. The first time I walked into the Mutual Building, I said to myself, ‘This is the right place.’

“It is part of our culture and history to be in the downtown area, and we wanted to continue that commitment to the city,” he added.

The Mutual Building was constructed as the headquarters of the Michigan Millers Mutual Insurance Company, but in recent years it had fallen into a state of disrepair and obsolescence. Close to 12 million dollars will be invested to bring the five-story building back to life.

Rosnowski said, “The rehabilitation of the Mutual Building has been made possible through several public/private partnerships, including state brownfield tax credits, federal and state historic tax credits and the establishment of a federal Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act District. Thanks to partnerships with the City of Lansing and other organizations, we will be able to restore this beautiful building.

“Most of the significant architectural qualities are remarkably intact. In style, it is Art Deco with slate tile on the floors, Pewabic Pottery on the walls in the main corridors and an ornamental stairway of wrought iron.”

Plans include the use of sustainable, or green building practices making efficient use of energy and natural resources, and using recycled and recyclable materials.

The Kelley Cawthorne firm, a governmental relations and lobbying firm, and the Michigan Municipal League will share the space with The Christman Company.

When the Mutual Building was originally built, it was said of the structure, “Completely of the present, it idealizes the past and heralds the future.” With this renovation, Christman becomes the steward of both the property and its proud heritage.

The Boji Group is another organization dedicated to the preservation and use of historic buildings. A six-million-dollar investment is giving the 100,000-square-foot Hollister Building new life. As with the work being done by the Christman Company, a mix of federal, state and local tax incentives make the project economically feasible.

Originally built in the late 1800s by E. G. Hollister, the building has housed numerous businesses and organizations over the years, including a trolley company, a bank, and extensive use as state office space. Current commercial residents on the first floor include Mr. Toad, Capitol Square Jewelry Repair and Draper Eyewear.

Ron Boji said, “We have a vision of what we can do with this building, which is truly a diamond in the rough. We plan to turn it into a mix of residential, office and retail space. The top two floors will have 30 loft-style apartments, ranging in size from 585 to 1,200 square feet. About half of these apartments will feature hardwood floors and exposed brick walls. We are planning to have these available for rental by late 2007 or early 2008. The second through fourth floors will remain office space, and the first floor will house small retailers.

“The building has had many different fasçades over the years, but we have chosen to restore it to its appearance in the 1950s. The modern brick façade is being removed and replaced with ’50s-style glass and limestone. What we weren’t able to save, we are recreating.”

Photographs on the web site show the various reincarnations of the building through the years including the 1950’s façade that is being replicated.

According to Boji, “The Boji Group is dedicated to downtown. We feel that the Hollister Building is on the best corner in town, and we want to bring it to its full potential. “By August, we will have a model apartment on the ground floor and will be talking with potential residents.”

The Boji Group was formed in May of 1997 just before it purchased the tallest building in Lansing, the Michigan National Tower. Properties owned by The Boji Group in the area include Boji Tower (Michigan National Tower), Capitol View and The Fifth Third Bank building. The group also has an office in the Detroit area and owns many properties there, as well as others throughout the country.