THE WRIGHT STUFF
Despite loss of tax break, developer to continue restoration work on historic Wright mansion
Losing a state tax break won’t stop a developer from completing work on the historic Wright Mansion in Alma.
Recently the city commission voted unanimously to revoke the Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Exemption Certificate granted by the state tax commission in May 2013 for the property located at 503 N. State St.
Under terms of the exemption the property tax value was frozen for up to 12 years as long as the building was renovated and restored to commercial use.
The developer, Alma native Kurt Wassenaar, had hoped to complete the project by the end of 2013.
However, that didn’t happen, and because little work has been done during the past seven-plus years city commissioners decided it was time to rescind the tax break.
“The City Commission of the City of Alma finds and determines that the completion of the rehabilitation of the subject facility has not occurred within the time limit indicated by the City Commission in the resolution approving the Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Certificate,” stated the new resolution revoking the tax exemption.
Wassenaar, now based in Virginia, purchased the 133-yearold, three-story rundown mansion built by one of Alma’s founders, lumber baron Ammi Wright, out of foreclosure in 2012 with the intention of converting it into a 10-room, upscale hotel.
Although those plans have not materialized he’s not giving up on the project.
“The continuation of its tax status would have been helpful if we had applied at a better time, but it really does not alter the feasibility of the renovation or my desire to move ahead,” Wassenaar said. “Although the building does not present well, my goal was to stabilize and protect it until an economically feasible plan for its use could be found. We have considered a lot of options and a small guest hotel is still likely one of the best options.”
He does, however, understand why city commissioners revoked the tax exemption.
“It was appropriate since the project was delayed so long,” Wassenaar said. “We should have deferred requesting this status until a full development plan was in place and ready to go and we obviously got ahead of ourselves on our original application timing.”
After receiving complaints regarding its appearance a couple of years ago the city had the 9,500 square foot building inspected and determined that it was still “structurally sound.”
Wassenaar has since removed brush and debris from the site, installed a fence around the building, repaired some deteriorating exterior spots and boarded up the stained glass windows.
“The city of Alma and I have worked carefully to inspect, protect and preserve the mansion and it is in no danger of being lost, further damaged or a safety hazard,” he said.
A lot of work has been done “behind the scenes” regarding planning and figuring out how to repair or replace the exterior
bricks, Wassenaar noted.
“Interestingly, while these look like cut stone they are actually a custom poured concrete veneer block,” he said. “We have been able to find a fabricator who can reproduce the 20-some versions of these that are used in a repeating pattern on the exterior.
“As you might imagine the cost of a full renovation of such a large mansion in an appropriate manner is a very expensive proposition and requires both a very good redevelopment plan and a very good financial plan.”
COVID-19 restrictions have also played a part in slowing down the project.
“The pandemic has placed our work on the
mansion on hold for the time being but I still love the building as so many do and it is essential that it be preserved and fully renovated for the future and for the history of Alma,” Wassenaar said.
“While I do not have any firm timeline for restarting work on the mansion project I retain my intent and enthusiasm for returning it to active and full status as part of Alma’s architectural heritage.”
He realizes there has been complaints about the structure’s appearance and the slow progress that’s been made over the past several years.
“There are a number of very incorrect perceptions, fears and concerns about the mansion,” Wassenaar said. “I would like the people of Alma to know that all care is being taken with this wonderful building and its history.”