Community Center not yet ready to open

Don Reid, Coldwater Daily Reporter
·1 min read

COLDWATER — There was hot chocolate but no heat yet at the Coldwater Community Center on Saturday evening, Dec. 3, at the former Putnam Funeral Home.

Visitors took tours of the new Coldwater Community Center Saturday night before the Holiday Parade
Visitors took tours of the new Coldwater Community Center Saturday night before the Holiday Parade

The nonprofit, with its lease from the city, hoped to show off its new heating system. The equipment was installed, but Michigan Gas Utility could not make its connection until Dec. 13, the company told the organization and city.

More than two dozen volunteers help the nonprofit organization decorate the building for Christmas Friday. It was opened for the public to look around at see what plans it has for the community building.

MoreColdwater leases Putnam Funeral Home to nonprofit

Jepson Electrical volunteered two electricians and materials to rewire the downstairs last week. Two former Habitat for Humanity members will install the code-compliant bathroom before Christmas.

Program coordinator Lisa Renshaw said she hoped to have the program starting in the new year.

Lisa Renshaw, dressed as the original owner Mrs. Beech, welcomed visitors to the Community Center open house Saturday night
Lisa Renshaw, dressed as the original owner Mrs. Beech, welcomed visitors to the Community Center open house Saturday night

Corporation head Kathie Bappert said hopes are in early 2023, all construction will be completed, and there will be enough volunteers to open the historic Beech mansion for daily public use.

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— Contact Don Reid: dReid@Gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter: @DReidTDR.

This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: Construction issues delay Community Center opening