By By JOHN EBY / Dowagiac Daily News
Mayor Donald D. Lyons described himself as "pleased and humbled" by City Council's decision Monday night to name the new medical arts facility for him.
The "Donald Lyons Medical Arts Building" was suggested March 14 in a letter from Gerald M. Chase, president of NHF Sub Van Buren, a subsidiary of the Northern Health Foundation in Alpena.
The project nearing completion on Main Street in front of the former site of Central Middle School is a joint effort by the city, Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital and Van Buren/Cass District Health Department.
"Purpose of the project was the strengthening of the medical and health services to residents of Dowagiac and its surrounding area," Chase wrote. "The Northern Health Foundation, through its subsidiary NHF Sub Van Buren, is very proud to have been able to be an additional partner in the process of financing and developing (the) building.
"Because of the leadership and vision provided by Mayor Donald D. Lyons, we would like to name the building 'The Donald D. Lyons Medical Arts Building,' " Chase wrote.
Ownership of the building will eventually revert back to the city.
"I strongly make that recommendation," Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Comstock said.
Third Ward Councilman Dr. Charles Burling supported Comstock's motion, adding, "I think it's more than appropriate" that the building bear Lyons' name.
In an item related to Central's demolition last week, council members authorized a $9,500 agreement with Robert W. Baird and Co. of Traverse City for financial consulting services for sale of the $810,000 tax-increment bonds financing removal of the 1926 school and infrastructure improvements for the medical arts building and senior housing yet to be constructed along Spruce Street.