Proposed expansion raises concerns in Marshall

MARSHALL, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) – In Calhoun County, a hospital expansion could end up leveling three historic homes that have stood for more then a century.

The Marshall Historical Society is fighting to keep those homes standing, but it is a divisive issue.

On one side, there is a hospital looking to expand their services, on the other are folks who say that expansion could put Marshall's claim to fame in trouble.

“We have a national historical district and we have one of the largest districts in the country for a town our size,” said Jennifer Rupp of the Marshall Historical Society.

Oaklawn Hospital lies inside that historical district, and now the 92-bed facility wants to expand. On the drawing board are new doctor and medical offices.

“To us, it's an exciting project, we're adding additional health care services into the community,” said Robert Covert of Oaklawn Hospital.

There is one major road block that the hospital could face; three homes. The hospital already owns the houses, but needs to clear the space, so now, they're up for sale at a pretty good asking price.

“We hope somebody would purchase those homes for a dollar and be relocated,” said Covert.

If the homes aren't sold, the hospital says they could meet their fate by wrecking ball.

Jennifer Rupp is the executive director of the Marshall Historical Society, she says the hospital expansion could come at a heft price that the city simply couldn't afford, the loss of its historic status.

“When you remove a structure from that district it endangers that destination,” said Rupp.

Hospital officials admit they understand the concerns, but say the expansion is important.

“In this case, we have to put it directly across from the hospital because the doctors in that building will have responsibilities in the hospital. If there is a critical event we want them close by,” said Covert.

Rupp fears the expansion could start a dangerous trend.

“If they do it once, they will do it again and it should be at the forefront of everybody's thinking right now,” said Rupp.

The debate is far from over. The City of Marshall will have the final say in whether or not the hospital can expand. That decision won't be made until July.