Holly Union Depot Makes It’s Move

Holly Union Depot is making progress

(Crystal A. Proxmire, December 16, 2025)

Holly, MI – After a long time of dreaming, planning and fundraising, the Holly Union Depot was lastly moved. Utilizing huge however exact robots, the constructing was moved about 800 ft nearer to the core space of ​​Downtown Holly and farther from the energetic prepare tracks on December 9.

The depot was scheduled for demolition. The positioning was in the midst of two energetic prepare tracks the place it couldn’t be legally accessed or put into use. However the group raised the cash to purchase it and finally transfer it.

The depot was inbuilt 1886, changing an 1865 depot that had burned down in 1884. The brand new depot had two ready rooms, considered one of which was solely for girls. The Holly Union Depot additionally had a lunch counter. And in occasions of warfare, girls used the depot to distribute meals to troopers. And in 1908, the depot was the place Prohibition activist Carry Nation arrived on the town on her quest to rid the world of “demon rum.” The depot served passengers till about 1964. The Holly Union Depot was not named for the navy or organized labor, however for the straightforward indisputable fact that it exists on the level the place two railroad traces meet.

Peter Stouffer is the venture supervisor overseeing the transfer.

In response to Stouffer, the proprietor of the railroad needed to demolish the constructing within the Eighties. It couldn’t be used as a result of its proximity to the tracks and has been vacant for many years. Group members did not wish to see a part of its historical past torn down, so a committee met within the Eighties and Nineties to lift cash to buy the constructing and put it on the bottom. National Historical Register.

The committee carried out some restoration work, together with repairing bricks, lighting, heating and air con and the roof. Within the early 2000s, rail right-of-way guidelines modified, which means the constructing was too near be accessible, and by 2019 sufficient curiosity had constructed as much as actively revive efforts for a relocation. Led by then-DDA Director Katy Golden and subsequent Director Nick Klempp, together with different involved group members, funds had been raised for the transfer.

The following step, Stouffer stated, was “discovering a spot to place it.”

Villagers needed to maintain the depot near the unique a part of town, within the open air between the tracks and downtown buildings. The village bought three heaps from one of many railroad corporations nearer to Broad Avenue. To take care of its historic vacation spot, the constructing should preserve the identical orientation and stay true to the unique structure as a lot as potential.

Earlier this yr, preparatory work was carried out on the new web site, together with the elimination of a tree and web site marking. Holly DPW did some preliminary work on the depot, together with repairs to flooring and home windows, in addition to repairs to brick and woodwork.

The transfer is being dealt with by Wolfe Home and Constructing Movers, whereas Allied Building is finishing up the muse work. “It was necessary to discover a vendor inside our funds who knew learn how to transfer a historic constructing,” Stouffer informed the Oakland County Instances.

The transfer went easily. “It began round midday and ended at about 5 o’clock when it was positioned over the brand new basis.”

“Subsequent week we’ll begin the block work, filling within the gaps between the beams. This must be executed in a temperature managed setting, so we have to tarp and warmth the realm we’re working in. As soon as that is all executed, we’ll take away all of the metal beams after which block the holes the place the beans had been.”

Subsequent, the exterior particulars must be addressed, together with landscaping, fencing, paths and lighting.

There can even be a dialogue about what the constructing will probably be used for. The Village of Holly owns the constructing, having bought it for $1 in 1999. The Village additionally bought the property for the brand new location, roughly round 2019, based on Stouffer, for a value of $35,000. The village council additionally issued a discover of intent that the constructing could be utilized by the village for the general public and wouldn’t be used for workplaces or retail, or offered.

Stouffer stated the constructing may very well be a guests heart, the place individuals can study Holly’s historical past, together with its railroad historical past, and get a map of the group. It will also be used as a hub for guests or volunteers through the group’s many festivals and occasions.

The venture has been a labor of affection, made potential by varied grants, fundraisers and donations. About $900,000 has been raised up to now. “This will get to part two,” Stouffer stated, together with the price of the transfer.

Getting it to a spot the place it may be totally utilized will price one other $500,000 – $800,000.

However getting thus far is an amazing success for the group. “It was actually wonderful. It actually introduced tears to your eyes once you noticed it begin transferring,” Stouffer stated. “It is now fantastic to drive down Broad Avenue north or south and see the depot there in all its glory. It appears a lot larger and far nicer than it was in its authentic location.”

Moreover the readability of the longer term potentialities, there are two issues in regards to the depot that make this an thrilling venture for Stouffer.

“I am so proud that we had been ready to do that with out utilizing taxpayer {dollars},” he stated. “We have gotten grants and personal donations. From the smallest greenback or two to some main presents, the group has come collectively on this.” Most just lately, the property of Tom McKenny, former village president, native legal professional and lifelong resident, contributed $25,000 towards the transfer.

Others have supplied their providers, together with Bruce Lowe Excavating, which dug the muse freed from cost.

Major Avenue Oakland County offered lots of of hours of design and in-depth technical help by Historic Preservation Architect Ron Campbell. Major Avenue Oakland County additionally awarded greater than $400,000 by the Public Areas and Placemaking Grant Program, made potential by the Oakland County Board of Commissioners with funding from the American Rescue and Restoration Act.

One other grant was a $150,000 Nationwide Belief for Historic Preservation Grant, in partnership with American Categorical, by the Major Avenue Program.

The opposite thrilling factor for Stouffer and others engaged on the venture is the historic significance of the endeavor. “That is crucial to Holly’s existence. I do not assume Holly could be right here if the depot wasn’t there,” he stated. “Future generations must know this a part of Holly’s historical past.”

The web site HollyUnionDepot.org offers extra details about the depot and the efforts to save lots of and relocate it. For extra details about donations, please contact If you want extra details about donating, please contact ddadirector@hollyvillage.org

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