By Maggie LaNoue, contributing writer
The Calhoun County Land Bank Authority outlined plans at its Feb. 26 meeting that affect both Albion and the Village of Homer, including the demolition of a fire-damaged downtown building, stabilization of another historic structure and construction of new homes on vacant residential lots.
County land banks were created in Michigan to address tax-foreclosed and abandoned properties. They acquire problem properties, clear unsafe structures, stabilize historic buildings and prepare vacant sites for new development. The Calhoun County Land Bank Authority was established in 2008 and has since overseen demolition, rehabilitation and new housing projects across the county.
The Feb. 26 meeting was held at the Calhoun County Building in Marshall, with board members attending both in person and via Zoom. Two Albion representatives were present. Albion City Council member Lenn Reid attended in person, while Jim Stuart, recently appointed to the Land Bank board, participated virtually.
One of the most visible Albion-related items involved 100 S. Superior St., a downtown building near the corner of Cass Street. The building suffered extensive damage following a fire and an interior structural collapse, with floors falling into the basement. Engineers determined the structure could not be safely stabilized, and the building has been designated for demolition.
Land Bank Executive Director Krista Trout-Edwards, who has served in the role for 15 years, said the Land Bank now has six full-time staff members, including herself. She noted that some buildings deteriorate to a point where rehabilitation is no longer feasible, particularly when public safety becomes a concern. In those cases, demolition is used to clear a site for future productive use.
Another downtown Albion property, 203 N. Superior St., remains a stabilization project. Land Bank staff reported that the building suffered an interior collapse years ago but has already received roof stabilization, with engineers now developing plans for interior demolition and rebuilding of the upper floors.
In addition to downtown activity, the Land Bank outlined plans for new housing construction in Albion and Homer as part of a $1.5 million Community Development Block Grant application. Of that amount, $400,000 is designated for reconstruction, including two new single-family homes planned for 1102 and 1106 N. Eaton St. in Albion. Another $842,960 would fund minor home repair assistance for qualifying households in both Albion and the Village of Homer.
Trout-Edwards confirmed that the Eaton Street homes will be the first houses built directly by the Land Bank in Albion. However, several homes have previously been constructed on lots purchased from the Land Bank, including four homes built by 66 Builders and two homes built by Norfolk Homes.
One Norfolk project included a Michigan State Housing Development Authority modular home built on a lot the City of Albion had purchased from the Land Bank on Fitch Street before acquiring an adjacent parcel for an additional home.
The Eaton Street sites are vacant parcels where older houses were demolished in 2024. The proposed new homes will be barrier-free and designed for income-qualified buyers. Land Bank staff noted that there is often a limited window between demolition and new construction when infill housing projects can move forward efficiently.
Albion and Homer are paired in the grant application because both communities meet eligibility criteria and face similar housing challenges. Homer is a village about nine miles south of Albion along M-99, with a population of roughly 1,600 residents compared with Albion’s approximately 7,400.
The Land Bank also reviewed projects in other Calhoun County communities, including Battle Creek, while approving resolutions supporting demolition bids, stabilization work and housing initiatives affecting Albion, Homer and other areas.
Near the end of the meeting, Stuart asked whether there might be an opportunity for additional discussion regarding the proposed demolition at 100 S. Superior Street, citing interest from individuals concerned about historic preservation. Land Bank staff noted that safety considerations and engineering assessments guide demolition decisions while communication with neighboring property owners continues.
The projects discussed at the meeting illustrate the dual role land banks often play in older communities — removing unsafe structures while also preparing sites where new housing can be built.
