Historic building for sale after code violations issued

COLDWATER — Attorney Rhonda Ives and her fiancée Neil Degolia put the three-story historic brick office at 25 West Chicago on the market this month, ending their plans for development after receiving building code violation notices in February.

Ives said Degolia is making repairs. "We want to make sure the building is safe," she said.

Building inspector Ken Fickle posted "Keep Out—Uninhabitable" notices on Feb. 2.

There was concern bricks could fall away from the structure.

Ives said, "It just had bricks that needed some remediation. There had been years and years of no maintenance," before she purchased the building in April 2021.

Degolia was working last week on the bricks on the Monroe sides of the building in the rear.

In August 2022, South Monroe Street was closed at U.S. 12 in Coldwater after part of the third-story overhang and brick facade on top of the third story fell onto the sidewalk and street.

Police and fire cordoned off the street for public safety until Degolia removed cornices.

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Ives said she and Degolia had a great vision for the building. "It's definitely a beautiful building, and it's got so much potential."

Ives added, "My fiancée and I were going to do it as a joint venture. Given our age, we're going to leave it to the younger generation."

Ives's single attorney law practice plus a position with the St. Joseph County Public Defender contract takes up her time.

Ives said the view from the third-floor concrete roof is magnificent. "We wanted to put a sky deck out there. It would be so beautiful to have a rooftop entertainment center or bar, an outdoor gathering spot."

Ives said there is potential for development in the historic building.

The open floor plan has 2,000 square feet on the main level, including a full bath and an additional half bath. It has hardwood flooring and beautiful woodwork throughout.

She said the second and third floors could be finished for apartments or offices.

Coldwell Banker listed the building for $140,000.

The building once housed the original Southern Michigan Bank & Trust, which Dr. Jacquelyn Merriman last used as her dental office.

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Ives said Degolia will complete the repair work. "It'll be repaired and brought back into safe condition. We're looking for somebody to come in and make an offer who wants to be committed to such a long-term project."

-- Contact Don Reid: dReid@Gannett.com