If the University has its way, the white, domed turreted house on the corner of Perrin and Forest will be replaced someday by a grassy, landscaped berm, according to Vice President for Business and Finance Robert Romkema.
But if members of the Ypsilanti Heritage Association Foundation have any say in the matter, the house someday will be one of the community's leading historical sites.
The group intends to fight any attempt to demolish the old house, which is located directly across the street from the Presidential house.
The Becker-Stacklewitz house, as it is known, is presently privately owned. However, the University has been interested in buying the property it sits on for some time.
"At this time the house is an eyesore and is beginning to become a hazard," said Romkema.
Romkema said the University has never considered whether the building is architecturally or historically significant. He added that, while the University is interested in the property, it would support anyone with significant funds to renovate it.
English Professor Jack Harris, a Heritage Association member, admits the building is damaged, but said it is structurally sound.
"It has some obvious structural damage and some holes in the roof that have resulted in water damage inside," Harris said. "But I don't see it as unsound."
The University did receive funds earmarked for land purchase from the legislature over a year ago. However, Romkema said most of that money was already used.
"If the renovation project is launched, that's fine," said Romkema. "But if not, the University would be interested in acquiring the land when the owner is willing to sell."
Romkema said he wasn't sure if there was enough money left from the original land purchase allocation to pay for the property.
Harris, who conducted a public meeting Tuesday to discuss the future of the Becker-Stacklewitz house, said there is no other building in the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti area which features the Byzantine style dome. There was another one, with a similar turret, located in Ann Arbor until recently. However, the tower on the building was removed, according to Harris, during a "cheap remodeling project to turn the house into apartments."
Tuesday's meeting was the second of a five part series on the restoration of local historical buildings. Harris received a $11,751 Michigan Council for Humanities grant to conduct studies of local landmarks and discuss their future at public forum. The University also gave Harris matching funds for the project.
State historic preservation coordinator Janet Kreger said there are some state grants and loans, plus Federal money available to preserve the building.
"If you don't have the money, you don't have a project," said Kreger, adding "that all all the projects I have supported, I have yet to be turned down for a grant or loan."