Preserving the Past : New Life Given to the Erickson Building

By Sara E. Teller
Photos by Bernie Laframboise

THE ERICKSON BUILDING, LOCATED AT 45 EAST PEARL STREET IN HAZEL PARK, WAS ORIGINALLY HOME TO THE CITY’S FIRST LIBRARY. Built in 1940 and given its name by John Erickson (former superintendent of the city’s schools), with the help of a dedicated team of local volunteers, construction was funded by card parties and various community fundraisers. “There is an architectural drawing done around 1937 that we still have in our possession,” explains Hazel Park’s Historical Commission Chair, Richard E. Robbins, of the original site plans. “This shows an art deco look to the building. It was not built to concept, but has been built with styling cues for the 1940s.”

In 1942, the Erickson Building was the site of Hazel Park’s first city council meeting. However, as the community’s population grew following the boom of the Ford Motor Company and library demand increased, it became evident that expansion of the Pearl Street site was too limited to continue using the building for its original purpose. A new library was constructed at 123 E 9 Mile Road and, realizing the importance of maintaining the Erickson fixture, the Historical Commission approached the school board to ask if it could be used instead for displaying artifacts and hosting historical tours. “The Erickson Building is the oldest civic building left in the city,” Robbins says. It had become a staple in the community and simply needed to be re-purposed.

In response, a cooperative agreement was drafted by Dr. Amy Kruppe, current superintendent of Hazel Park’s schools, with the help of Edward Klobucher, City Manager, to lease and maintain the building. “Amy and Edward as well as the maintenance staff…have worked tirelessly to make the building ready for use again after about ten years,” Robbins says.

The Hazel Park Historical Commission now hosts its regular meetings at the Erickson Building, having relocated from its original space. 200 people were in attendance at the Commission’s first meeting held at the new location, including John Erickson himself. The Erickson Building became home to Hazel Park’s Historical Museum on February 2, 2017, Hazel Park’s 75th Anniversary. “It is currently being refurbished inside for the new Historical Museum, and is serving as a meeting space for the surrounding community as needed,” says Robbins.

The revamped site is meant to be utilized by Hazel Park natives and visitors alike. And, although events are currently limited, the Commission hopes to expand the use of its space as the museum evolves. “The building is intended for the use of residents and nonresidents interested in viewing the museum and those interested in using [it] as a meeting space,” Robbins says. The Historical Commission is still throwing around ideas for other regular and special occasion events that could be planned at the Erickson Building. Children’s and family-friendly events are among options being
considered.

in attendance at the Commission’s first meeting held at the new location, including John Erickson himself. The Erickson Building became home to Hazel Park’s Historical Museum on February 2, 2017, Hazel Park’s 75th Anniversary. “It is currently being refurbished inside for the new Historical Museum, and is serving as a meeting space for the surrounding community as needed,” says Robbins.

The revamped site is meant to be utilized by Hazel Park natives and visitors alike. And, although events are currently limited, the Commission hopes to expand the use of its space as the museum evolves. “The building is intended for the use of residents and nonresidents interested in viewing the museum and those interested in using [it] as a meeting space,” Robbins says. The Historical Commission is still throwing around ideas for other regular and special occasion events that could be planned at the Erickson Building. Children’s and family-friendly events are among options being considered.

For specific needs, members can be reached at the Commission’s Facebook page at facebook.com/hazelparkhistorical, blog at hazelparkhistorical.x10host.com
or via email at hphistorical@gmail.com.