Historic Hale House to be Sold as Senior Neighbors and Gilda’s Club Relocate

We received the following press release regarding the sale of the Hale House.

 

LOWELL, Mich. – Senior Neighbors has spent over 30 years and has shared space with Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids since 2009 in Lowell’s historic “Hale House.” Gilda’s Club Lowell, a cancer and grief support organization, and Senior Neighbors, a nonprofit that serves to enhance the lives of senior citizens, will relocate from their current location to the First Congregational UCC of Lowell (UCC), located at 865 Lincoln Lake Avenue SE. Senior Neighbors, which owns the farmhouse at 314 S. Hudson St., will give the community an opportunity to own a piece of Lowell history when it lists the house for sale in the coming weeks. The organizations will begin offering their respective programs at UCC beginning May 22.

“For the past 14 years, Senior Neighbors has been so kind to us and embraced Gilda’s Lowell Clubhouse as we served community members in their beautiful farmhouse,” said Wendy Wigger, Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids president. “While we leave behind the fond memories we’ve had in this home, we are excited about the new home that awaits us at First Congregational UCC of Lowell where we can grow and better support our members and the communities we serve in Kent County and beyond.”

First Congregational UCC of Lowell’s mission includes community outreach, which started with Open Table, a non-profit completely run by volunteers that prepares a free meal once a week where all are welcome. Senior Neighbors and Gilda’s Club will join other area organizations including Lowell’s Women Club, Flow Tai Chi, Lowell Pride, and Girl Scouts. The campus also offers rental space for a variety of community gatherings which includes a health department-inspected commercial kitchen.

“As a faith-based community serving Lowell for more than 165 years, we are excited to partner with Senior Neighbors and Gilda’s Club to expand their services at our location,” said Pastor Shannon Jammal-Hollemans of First Congregational UCC. “We are proud to be part of the Lowell community and be able to share our campus with those serving the needs of our community. Our mission of feeding Christ’s community in mind, body, and spirit allows us to bring the great work provided by both Senior Neighbors and Gilda’s Club under our roof.”

As Senior Neighbors and Gilda’s Club have outgrown the current space in Lowell, Senior Neighbors is hoping to sell the farm house to a new owner who will help preserve its historic grandeur.

“This home, which has served us and Gilda’s Club Lowell for over three decades, has a rich history in the Lowell community dating back to 1870,” said Robert Barnes of Senior Neighbors. “As our organizations continue to grow, moving our services to the First Congregational UCC of Lowell will give us a larger space that is also centrally located in the community to continue our mission and serve our residents’ needs. Given the farmhouse’s significance in Lowell, we look forward to seeing its next owner breathe new life into this local gem and preserve its historic charm.”

History of Hale House:

• The farmhouse was originally part of 100 lots platted as the “Snell Addition” by Caroline Snell in 1871, abutting railroad tracks to the north, Bowes Road to the south and Flat River to the east. It was then owned by Snell’s daughter, Susan (Snell) Williams and her husband, U.B. Williams. In 1877, the house was sold to John Look, who moved to Lowell with his wife, Charlotte and their 14-year-old son, Dexter, from Lapeer County. In 1893, Dexter Look, who grew to become a local pharmacist, owned a store in town on W. Main Street and served as state representative for five terms, owned the home with his wife, Evelyn Rickert.
• In 1938, George and Dorothy Hale moved to Lowell with their family and purchased the farmhouse that is now commonly known in the community as the “Hale House.” George Hale served as postmaster for 16 years from 1949-1965, while Dorothy Hale worked as a clerk in the postal department for nine years.
• In 1989, The Hale House became the location for the senior center in Lowell, providing a welcoming space for seniors to socialize, share a meal and participate in exercise classes or other various activities. A year later, it was purchased by the Schneider Manor Cooperation, a nearby retirement community and leased to Senior Neighbors, Inc.
• Since 2009, Gilda’s Club Lowell Clubhouse has provided weekly activities and support groups at the Hale House, including: breast cancer support, cancer support, grief support and learn, share laugh support.
• In 2010, Senior Neighbors purchased the Hale House and adjoining property from Schneider Manor. The building was renovated through the support of the Red Arrows/Pink Arrow Pride Foundation.