Chelsea looks for ideas to redevelop Longworth Plating building

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 | Source: Concentrate

The people who run the city of Chelsea are smart enough to know they don't have all the answers, which is why they're looking for some ideas on how to redevelop the Longworth building in downtown.

The city plans to hold a public information meeting on the small commercial structure on Main Street just south of Jackson Street on April 29. City officials are inviting local residents, stakeholders and developers to learn about the building and offer ideas on what to do with it.

"You never know when you might get a great idea from the community," says John Hanifan, city manager for Chelsea.

The city bought the building for $395,000 earlier this year so it can control its redevelopment. It plans to put together a request for proposals to turn the vacant structure into the home of a business that will accentuate downtown. That could mean renovating large sections of the original building or razing it to make way for something better.

"There are about four or five options," Hanifan says.

The 11,800-square-foot industrial building served as the home to Longworth Plating Service. The structure is divided into three main sections of varying ages. The oldest section of the building dates back to the mid-1800s.

Source: John Hanifan, city manager for Chelsea
Writer: Jon Zemke