Locals work to preserve Rochester Elevator

Sometimes all an old building needs is a fresh coat of paint, and that's exactly what a group of local volunteers will give to the Rochester Elevator on Saturday.

The barn-like structure at University Road and Water Street is still in great structural shape, considering it originally went up in 1880. A section of another grain elevator was added to the Rochester Elevator in 1909, which includes wood dating to the Civil War.

People can buy seed, salt and propane, among other agricultural items, at the elevator. The only thing that needs to be improved is its appearance.

"It just hasn’t been painted in many years," says Rod Wilson, president of the Rochester-Avon Historical Society.

A group of local community activists, historical preservationists, and businesses are chipping in to pay for a new coat of paint. Professional painters will put on the primer coat and the second coat for the higher parts of the building. The lower 10 feet will be left for members of the community to complete on Saturday.

The painting starts at 10 A.M. and will continue throughout the day until the job is done. Free food is available for everyone who wishes to help out.

"The community owns the heritage," Wilson says.

Source: Rod Wilson, president of the Rochester-Avon Historical Society
Writer: Jon Zemke

Related Tags

Historic Sites, Oakland County, Redevelopment

Locals work to preserve Rochester Elevator

Related Tags

Recommended Content

Across Our Network