A piece of Lake Orion history is up for grabs.
The Ehman Center will be sold to the highest bidder, with an absolute auction set for Tuesday, Sept. 30 at 6:30 p.m.
The historic structure at 55 Elizabeth Street once housed Lake Orion’s entire K-12 school population. Built in 1927, the two-story, 35,000-square-foot building has 25 classrooms and a large gymnasium.
The building is currently owned by area resident Wendy Patton, and houses Love INC’s furniture store and clothing ministry, among other things.
‘There are so many possibilities and things that can be done with it,? Patton said, noting charitable organizations, church schools and a community center as some examples.
The building housed the Boys & Girls Club, until they moved to the former Gingellville Community Center nearly two years ago.
‘Originally, I was going to turn it into offices, but that just didn’t work out,? Patton said. ‘I just don’t have the time. It needs someone who, that’s their baby.?
Patton, who has owned the Ehman Center for the past nine years, added that she’d like to see the building stay locally owned.
‘It’s going to need updating, but it’s in good shape. There are no issues,? she said. ‘It’s such a cool building. Someone could end up with a really great deal.?
In the past few weeks, flyers have been circulating announcing the auction. Details are also available on the sign near the front steps of the building.
‘The DDA office routinely receives calls of inquiry,? Downtown Development Authority Director Lois Golden said, adding that she expects a good turnout at the auction.
The size of the building might force interested organizations to partner up.
‘The DDA board had a discussion about possibly purchasing the building,? Golden noted. ‘However, it’s too large for just our organization.?
She said the DDA would work with the new owner any way possible.
‘There’s definitely always been a hope to adapt the building into some kind of cultural center,? Golden said.
Patton purchased the building for $100,000. With an absolute auction, however, no minimum bid is required.