Macomb has hired a firm to help with the process of redeveloping the Randolph House.
The city believes the building on the east side of the courthouse square could house retail businesses on the first floor and either hotel rooms or apartments on the top two floors.
The city paid $150,000 to acquire the south half of the Randolph House early this year, and it paid $65,000 to purchase the north half late last year.
However, City Administrator Scott Coker said the city does not plan to hold onto the building.
“The goal all along has been not for the city to own this long-term. The goal is to get it to a developer,” Coker said.
The city council agreed to hire the firm Studio GWA to provide several services with that goal in mind:
- Hotel market study
- 3D scan of the building
- Conceptual design for redevelopment scenarios
- Renderings
- Pro forma support
- RFQ/RFP assistance
- Historic tax strategy guidance
It’s hoped that information will help entice a developer.
The city council voted 6-1 to approve the contract with Studio GWA. Justin Schuch cast the lone vote in opposition.
“I’ve been a little concerned about this project from the get-go. I feel like we have enough other things going on,” he said.
Schuch is also concerned about possible future costs for the city.
City council member Dave Dorsett said Macomb has been interested in renovating the Randolph House for a long time.
“It’s an important part of our downtown. It’s an important part of our history. And I have every faith that our staff can handle more than one thing at a time,” Dorsett said.
Plaques on the building state Abraham Lincoln was a guest there on multiple occasions in 1858.
The city will pay Studio GWA $54,580. The money will come from the downtown tax increment finance district fund.
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