Future uncertain for Mount Pleasant Center property

The Mount Pleasant Police Department has dealt with more than a dozen trespassers in the Mount Pleasant Center’s vacancy.

Some of the fascination with the former institution for patients with developmental disabilities, at 1400 W. Pickard St., may come from
legends that the building is haunted, said MPPD Det. Sgt. Bill Bluemer.

“It’s private property — they need to stay out,” he said.

The state-owned building has heavy security to watch over the building, including security guards and cameras, said MPPD Public Information Officer Dave Sabuda.

The state also placed several “No Trespassing” signs around the property and chained off all entrances and exits.

The 119-year-old facility closed Sept. 10 because of budgetary problems. It was the last institution in Michigan to house patients with developmental disabilities.

City interested

The city of Mount Pleasant is considering purchasing the 320-acre property and 26 buildings, 11 of which were used at the time of the center’s closing.

The City Commission toured the facility’s administrative building and two residential units to evaluate the health and condition of the buildings.

Vice Mayor Bruce Kilmer said he would like to see the city purchase the property and use it for economic development.

“I’m hoping we can develop this land,” he said. “It’s one of the last places within the city limits that can be developed and improved.”

The city is in the early stages of talking to the state about the best possible uses for the property, he said. No current plans are arranged or finalized.

Some options could include housing businesses or residences on the property.

Kilmer said the land is beautiful and many of the buildings remain in great shape.

City Manager Kathie Grinzinger said the city is keeping all options on the table for the future use of the property.

“We’re hopeful that the buildings will find a positive reuse and the vacant property will eventually be developed and placed on the tax roll,” she said.

Tear it down?

Michigan Department of Community Health Spokesman James McCurtis said the property has been declared surplus. It is no longer needed and legislation will be introduced to facilitate its removal.

Dohn Hoyle, executive director of the Arc of Michigan lk, said the buildings should be torn down.

“A lot of people would prefer it was gone,” he said. “It has a sad history.”

In May 2005, a mentally disabled 28-year-old patient named Robert Wright was murdered. A forensic pathologist ruled his death a homicide caused by blunt force to the abdomen.

The organizations has worked for years to close down state facilities like the Mount Pleasant Center. The land could be a prime location for a park or residential area, Hoyle said.