Community works to restore Jackson Street Hall

Kyle Mitchell
·2 min read
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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The Grand Rapids community is working to restore the oldest Polish hall in the country.

Jackson Street Hall on the city’s West Side is getting much-needed repairs. Crews spent Thursday finishing the installation of a new roof and will soon install new windows and siding.

Annual fish fry helps fund Jackson Street Hall renovations

The renovation wouldn’t have been possible without donations from the community and local businesses.

Vander Laan Home Improvement is working on the project at a discounted rate, and Eikenhout Building Supplies, a local business nearly as old as the hall, donated roofing and other materials with the help of Mastic siding and Quality Edge.

“It’s needed attention, and this is just going to give it a whole different look. It’s going to make it up to date,” said Joe Haught, office manager at Vander Laan Home Improvement.

Group campaigns to save 135-year-old Jackson Street Hall

The Grand Rapids Polish National Aid Society officially formed in 1878, with the hall opening in 1888.

“Just to rebuild little by little here and just to play a small part of that is really rewarding,” said Eric Grassmid, vice president of Vander Laan Home Improvement.

“Speaks of overall West Michigan culture. It’s a caring community, and from our prospective, we’re here for the long time,” Bob Baker, regional sales manager with Eikenhout Building Supplies, said. “We’ve been around a long time, and our longevity is really based on that involvement in community.”

The hall was at risk of closing with just 31 cents in its bank account when a new board took over in early 2023.

Record-breaking Pulaski Days helps effort to save Jackson Street Hall

Community donations and volunteers have spearheaded the effort to bring the building back, according to hall member and project manager Doug Preston.

“There’s been a lot that has happened, and the people are just so excited about the future of this hall,” Preston said. “At one point, we didn’t know if we would be able to keep the doors open.”

Those working on the project are confident the work will ensure the tradition of the hall continues.

“It’s going to make a big difference in this community,” Baker said.

The hall hopes to have the restoration projects complete within the next couple months.

Jackson Street Hall is holding a concert April 27 at 7 p.m. The 6 Pak band will perform, with parking available at Sibley School.

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