Condemned Benton Harbor building forces out the Pillar Center

BENTON HARBOR, Mich.-- The word "condemned" is posted on each side of the building at 204 West Main Street in downtown Benton Harbor, forcing out its primary tenant, The Pillar Center.

This comes as the City of Benton Harbor is working to revitalize its downtown, particularly Main Street, to attract new business and housing. Due to structural issues in the 125-year-old building, all tenants on one block must vacate.

"The building was built in the year 1900, so you know, these things happen," said James Gunter, executive director of the nonprofit, "Present Pillars."  "While it can be frustrating... I kind of look at it as an opportunity for whatever's coming."

The nonprofit was incorporated in November 2021 as a resource for fathers and families, empowering dads to be "present pillars" in their families and community.

"We have 'The Dad Playbook,' we've had some expungement services, we've had legal aid come over and do their office hours here. We've had Krasl Art Center come and do family art nights," Gunter said.

In March 2024, the Pillar Center opened. Now, a year and a half later, it has to vacate.

"We have to keep going forward; people depend on us," Gunter said.

The entire building is deemed unsafe due to "structural issues" until repairs are made.

ABC57's Annie Kate got in touch with a representative for the property owner, 204 W. Main PropCo, who said their plan was always to rehabilitate the building, but the pandemic and rising construction costs halted those efforts. This condemnation, he said, now serves as an "accelerator" for these plans, which include adding much-needed housing units to the second floor.

In the meantime, what is the future of Present Pillars without the Pillar Center?

"We will find another space, we have a tremendous amount of community support, and we're just looking forward to what's next," Gunter said.

Operations and programs aren't slowing down, he said, as he looks for a new physical location.

"The center is not a place, the center is wherever we are, right?" he said.

His focus will now be fundraising, Gunter said. The nonprofit has its third annual "Pillar Awards" on October 11 at the Four Winds Casino in New Buffalo. That event will highlight dads in the community, but it's also a chance to raise money for a new location.

Information can be found on the Present Pillars Facebook Page.