NILES — On Tuesday, Aug. 20, the Niles History Center will host a frand reopening celebration from 5 to 7 p.m. for the Historic Chapin Mansion. Remarks from Mayor Nick Shelton will take place at 6 p.m. Visitors will be able to tour the Mansion, enjoy live music from local favorite Phil Anderson and meet Mr. and Mrs. Chapin as portrayed by historical reenactors. This free event is open to the public, all ages and for the first time, is accessible to those with mobility issues.

Extensive work has been completed by Mihm Enterprises, Inc., of Hamilton, Michigan, to renovate the Mansion’s upper balcony and north porch, as well as adding an ADA-compliant accessibility ramp. The project was funded in part by a capital improvement grant of $55,000 from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs. In addition, the Michigan-based crowdfunding platform, Patronicity, allowed individual donors and local foundations to contribute another $15,000 to the project, which was matched by a $15,000 grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Public Spaces Community Places program. Through community conversation about needs, coupled with planning, the city’s community development department was able to earmark the funds needed to complete the project from the city’s Community Development Block Grant Program funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in an effort to offset the costs of historic preservation.

“The efforts undertaken to ensure the long-term viability of such an important local historic resource in Niles, speaks volumes about our shared community. It is rewarding to see the stately Chapin Mansion renewed and accessible to patrons in a meaningful manner,” said Sanya Vitale, community development director.

History Center Director Christina Arseneau identified the need for the project in 2016.

“The porch was in a state of disrepair, and the building was not accessible to anyone unable to climb stairs. This project was designed to address both of these issues. At the NHC, we often heard comments from visitors and saw posts on social media asking when the Mansion will be accessible,” she said. “One in five people will face a physical handicap at some point, even if it is only temporary.”

Kil Architecture of South Bend was selected through a Request for Qualifications to conduct an architectural study to determine the scope of the project and create a plan, drawings and budget estimates. Kil worked with the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office for project approval in 2018. Niles’ Historic District Commission also approved the work. Mihm Enterprises, Inc. was the sole bidder and was awarded the contract for the construction, which began in February 2019. The work was completed in July. Renovations to the Mansion’s interior have taken place as well. The dining room had layers of carpet and tile removed to reveal a stunning wood floor. Fresh paint, a restored chandelier and an exhibit case with historical miniatures offer a new look for the first floor.

With this work complete, regular guided tours will resume on Fridays and Saturdays at 1 p.m. More programs are planned for the fall and winter at the mansion, including the popular “Magical Evening of Wizardry” and Holiday Open House events in November and December.

Future projects will include historical landscape work, exterior painting, roof assessment and HVAC system installation.

“We need to ensure that the mansion is maintained for future generations. Not many communities have a landmark like this and it has a tremendous role to play in the revival of Niles. We hope that the public will continue to support our work here. It truly benefits our entire community,” Arseneau said.

The grand reopening celebration is presented with support from the Greater Niles Chamber of Commerce. For more information about the event, contact the Niles History Center at (269) 845-4054 or visit nileshistorycenter.org.  The Niles History Center, a division of the city of Niles’ community development department, is comprised of the Fort St. Joseph Museum and the Historic Chapin Mansion, located at 508 E. Main St.