Pere Marquette Depot
The Bay Area Community Foundation is happy to call the Pere Marquette Depot its home. Rescued from damage caused by years of neglect, the Depot was completely restored in 2008.
History of the Depot
Originally opened in March 1904 during a period of expansion for the Pere Marquette Railroad Company, the Depot was closed by the railroad in 1951. Two years later, the Depot was renovated for use by the Greyhound Busy Company which operated from the “modernized” building until 1969. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Structures in 1982 to protect it from demolition.
The Great Lakes Center Foundation purchased the Depot in 2003 and began an extensive $6.2 million restoration. During the process, the water tower, canopy, and porte cochere were reconstructed, and the waiting room was returned to its original two-story design. In June 2008, the Depot was open for the first time in nearly 40 years.
All Aboard! The Depot Today
The Great Lakes Center Foundation has gifted the Depot to the Bay Area Community Foundation to provide a permanent home for our organization. The Foundation’s Great Lakes Bay College and Career Resource Center is also located in the building on the first floor.
Where We’re Going
Building a robust endowment fund to assure that the historic Pere Marquette Depot remains a Bay Area treasure for years to come
Ownership of this magnificent building, a stunning example of prairie architecture, has recently been entrusted to the Foundation. We are working hard to grow the Depot’s endowment fund to continue to protect, preserve, and prepare for the future for this Bay County landmark.
Based on annual operating costs, maintenance, and repairs, an endowment fund of $650,000 is needed.
Please Come Along
Generous donors have come forward with matching funds so your donation goes even further
The Labadie Challenge
Now through the end of 2018, Gary & Glenda Labadie have offered a 1:1 match for every dollar committed to the Pere Marquette Depot Endowment Fund, up to a total of $50,000. What a great way to double the impact of your gift!
Challenge details:
- Commitments must be made by the end of 2018
- Commitments may be paid over three years
Join the Conductors Society
We invite you to join our Conductors Society with your gift today at one of the following levels:
- Station Master $10,000+
- Conductor $5,000
- Engineer $2,500
- Switchman $1,000
To learn more about these levels of commitment and to join us on the journey, call us at 989.893.4438.
