NILES, Mich. -- The Niles History Center and Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) are crowdfunding a campaign to raise money for a project that would transform the remaining façade of the Ferry Street School into a community park.

The organizations' goal is that the project recognizes the historical significance of the schoolhouse, while also reenergizing the site for the community.

"This effort will be fulfilled through the anticipated success of a crowdfunding campaign of the MEDC, the Niles History Center, and the City of Niles, which is being offered through the Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity," city officials said.

The Niles groups say that if the campaign reaches its crowdfunding goal of $15,000 by April 25, the project will win a matching grant with funds made possible by MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places program.

“This project will give life to the site of the historic Ferry Street School and act as historic preservation through placemaking,” said MEDC Regional Prosperity Managing Director Paula Holtz. “We are pleased to support and provide resources for this project through our Public Spaces Community Places program.”