05/26/2024
Long Read - My thoughts on the House of Bargains demolition, and demolition of historic buildings in general:
I wanted to discuss the recent demolition of the House of Bargains building, following the demolition of the old Bomb Shelter building on East Portage Avenue, which took place earlier this year.
First and foremost, Downtown Sault Ste. Marie’s greatest asset lies in its historical legacy, embodied by the historic buildings that have stood along Ashmun and Portage since the late 1800s. These structures serve as reminders of our collective past, each façade and rubblestone wall telling a story of the generations that have come before us. Recent events, however, have cast a shadow over our efforts to preserve this heritage.
The decision by Cloverland Electric Cooperative to acquire (years ago) and subsequently demolish the House of Bargains building is a giant bummer, to say the least. It’s even more frustrating since there were multiple parties interested in purchasing the building and rehabilitating it over the years. However, Cloverland had valid concerns about its proximity to the canal wall, and they have long-term maintenance strategies that required its removal.
The demolition of the House of Bargains comes hot on the heels of the demolition of the old Bomb Shelter on East Portage Avenue. This building was also removed by private purchasers, even though it had “good bones,” if you will.
It is vital to recognize that historic buildings like the House of Bargains and the old Bomb Shelter are not beyond redemption. With vision, investment, and community support, these structures can be transformed into vibrant spaces that contribute to the cultural and economic vitality of our downtown area. The loss of these buildings diminish the physical landscape but also sever the ties that bind us to our shared past.
We must halt this wave of demolition before it washes away more pieces of our heritage. Instead of succumbing to short-term convenience, we need more property owners to join the effort, invest, and celebrate our historic buildings. There are tremendous bright spots – the following buildings are undergoing rehabilitation in 2024: The Soo Theatre; 722 Ashmun (across from Dominoes); and 536-540 Ashmun (the former Co-ed Flowers). Millions of dollars are being invested in these properties, and more is on the horizon.
With all this information in mind, the City of Sault Ste. Marie and the Sault Ste. Marie Downtown Development Authority should do everything possible to encourage and incentivize the rehabilitation of our Downtown.
Sincerely,
Justin Knepper, Downtown property owner and owner of Knepper Development Strategies
