By Donald Talonen
Pingree Park, formerly the property of Mr. T.M. Russell, is historically significant for being the location of the original courthouse in Allegan. While no official buildings have been present on the property since around 1865, in the early 1900s, the park area was utilized by traveling circuses. It’s safe to say that the area has seen better days.
The Pringree Park Development Project is a passion project for Joe and Deb, aiming to offer others the same welcoming experience that made them fall in love with Allegan. The concept of a tiny house community was born from their desire to build treehouses for their grandchildren, which was hindered by COVID-19 lockdown restrictions. Although the opportunity for treehouses has passed, Joe and Deb seek to creatively make up for lost time and contribute to the community in a unique way.
Joe and Deb Leverence have big dreams of developing an upscale rustic retreat in Allegan for those who would enjoy all West Michigan has to offer with a small-town setting called The Pingree Park Development Proposal. The property’s “wooded” and “primitive” landscape make Lot 99 the perfect place for Joe and Deb Levernce’s proposed tiny house community.
The proposed plan involves clearing the underbrush of the property to create space for building elevated sites for tiny houses approximately 400 square feet in size, there would be two units and the main building or pavilion. Each tiny house has an open floor plan and would be available for weekly and weekend rentals. The channel dug around the perimeter has essentially turned Lot 99 into an island. A small bridge would be installed for access to the island. For those wondering, the area will not be offering space for vacationers using campers.
While on the island the tiny house community plans to offer an outdoor walking path that would “weave” throughout the natural terrain of Lot 99. As the guests travel along the perimeter of the island, they will discover various activities and exercise stations alongside the path. Finally, a small pavilion provides a gathering space for the guests to enjoy.
Because the property is in the floodway, stilts will be used in construction so that the tiny home will reside above the flood levels, which is one more unique feature to this proposal. Leaving the property as rustic and undisturbed as possible is important to the experience they hope to offer. The channel would be cleaned of downed trees and the build-up of organic sediment to re-create water flow.
The Leverence’s are seeking permission to install water and sewer lines in a wetland area. The city water utilities engineer at Wade Trim has been consulted, and it is anticipated that wetlands mitigation and permits for dredging will be required due to the project’s location.
The next step will be getting the proposal added to the next City Council meeting agenda. Due to Memorial Day the next meeting is expected to occur on Tuesday, May 28th. Upon approval by the City Council, the Leverence’s will have a year to determine if the property will be transferred with a Quit Claim Deed. Before any transfer of property, all applicable permits would need to be obtained through EGAL and PCI after plans for the project are drafted by their engineer and submitted for review.
The Leverence’s have been active members of the community holding positions on committees such as the DDA, Promotions, Allegan County Tourism Board, City Council, Heritage Home Networking Group, Allegan Specialty Business Group, and Only One Allegan. As promoters at the Griswold Auditorium for 5 years they were involved in various events including the Grand Rapids Symphony.
Beginning in 2006 when Joe and Deb relocated from Dearborn to Allegan, they purchased a rundown building in the Historic Milling District. After extensive renovations, they now live there and run the Baker Allegan Studios where they teach weaving on looms. The building was a converted box factory for the Baker Furniture company. Deb has expressed that they were welcomed with open arms by the community.
Then in 2008, Baker Studios opened a gallery on the main floor that showcased the work of approximately twenty-four local artists and has a retail section that offers looms, spinning wheels, and yarn. The lower-level houses operate artist studios, and the third floor serves as the living quarters for the Leverence’s. Most recently in October 2017, Joe and Deb purchased the Old Mill Yarn Co., originally founded in 1921 as The John B. Davidson Woolen Mills in Eaton Rapids Michigan. Davidson’s Old Mill Yarn Co. had been in business for nearly 100 years at the time of the sale.
Joe and Deb hope to continue promoting, this time by recommending local restaurants and small businesses to the guests of their tiny house community, providing them with the same welcoming feelings that attracted them to Allegan nearly 20 years ago. A tiny house community could make this forgotten piece of property a tax-paying asset for the City of Allegan by offering unique vacation rental options for the full Allegan experience.
