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Imagine landmark as possible museum, residence site
Hancock’s landmark building is being restored to its former glory.
Jonathon Nagel bought the Hoover Center Building on Quincy Street earlier this year, after Finlandia University closed.
Nagel, a self-described “architecture and historical preservation geek,” had noticed the building during his bicycle rides in Hancock after moving from Colorado to Hancock several years earlier. Nagel was worried that when Finlandia shut down, buyers would turn the old building into rental apartments for students or buy it just to get the land and demolish the building.
He said he didn’t want it.
He said, “It wasn’t something I planned to buy. I felt like I needed it.” Not only because the building is an architectural marvel, but also because it has been part of our community for so many years.
The house dates from 1895 when William Washburn built it. He owned a clothes store in the town. This lavish home was constructed in Queen Anne Victorian design.
It has only a few bedrooms, but it is a very large house with a lot of room for entertaining, and a ballroom in each of its three floors.
Nagel stated that the house was built for entertaining and not for cost-cutting.
It was sold to Edward Lieblein in about 10 years, who is a wholesaler. The Liebleins owned it until 1979 when Lieblein’s son sold the property to Suomi College and later Finlandia University.
Finlandia owned it until last year. The building housed several university offices, including the office of the president.
In 1979 it was designated as a Michigan State Historic Site, and a year after that the National Register of Historic Places.
Nagel stated that “there are many people with memories of and connections to the property and this is part of our community.” It contributes to the sense of community and place that makes Hancock so special.
Nagel stated that it could take up to four years for the restoration of a building, and “probably several lives afterward” before they are able to perfect their work.
He wants to restore the house as accurately as possible. From the street, it was easy to see the problems: a roof that leaked and shingles were blowing into the yard; a paint job peeling.
Nagel says that although the house’s interior has retained much of its character, it still needs to be renovated. Most of the plumbing is non-functional due to leaks. It also requires electrical upgrades.
Nagel will live there while he is restoring the property.
He said, “I made a deal with myself to justify the unplanned purchase.” He said, “I would be able cut down my living costs if I made the changes in that room and reinvest it more into this property to get it exactly where I wanted it.
Nagel hasn’t made any firm decisions about the future of this building. He said it would make a wonderful museum or the headquarters of a historical or nonprofit society. It could be used as a home for a single family.
The commercial version would need more modifications.
Nagel stated that Finlandia had primarily used the house to be a office during its tenure.
He said that the only thing they had done was to cover some of the hardwood floors with commercial carpeting and install fluorescent lights. But in reality, it’s just a home they used as an office. “Thankfully it wasn’t modified or abused, even though it was neglected. From a preservation perspective, this is the best place to start for a structure that’s 128 years old.
Nagel will do the majority of the work, as he has done several other restorations.
His upcoming projects include replicating missing or damaged trim on the grand stairway and regrouting of original tile work.
The roof will be done by a specialist company. The roof will be either stone coated steel or wood shake, depending on the approval of the State Historic Preservation Office.
Nagel says that the roof has its own problems, especially with regard to the tower. The roof is the “defining characteristic of this home,” Nagel said. But it’s also not suited to the climate. It has recurring leaks and ice damming problems.
He said: “It’s a delicate job to find a way to maintain the architectural and visual integrity of this part of the roofing, while also preventing damage.
Nagel plans to host occasional open houses so that the building remains accessible to the local community.
He said, “My aim is to make it accessible for the local community.” “I am a geek that loves old houses and fell in love with it. I want to make sure this house has a great future. That’s what I wanted.” “I felt I needed to intervene to stop anything bad from happening.”
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