Gibson factory chimney news

[Jim Coash]

Greetings:  I previously posted a few words on the proposed dismantling of the famous "Gibson" chimney that has stood at the factory on Parsons street for more than 100 years.  The local history group has raised an issue about saving it as a historical landmark.  Engineers have examined it and confirmed that due to lack of maintenance it is unsafe.  A major natural gas line passes beneath it making simple toppling of it  unreasonably dangerous.  The estimates to either remove it or repair it are running into the $100Ks range, perhaps over a million to restore it properly.  The inlaid brick making the word "Gibson" visible from at least a mile away has long been a landmark in Kalamazoo.  The owners have proposed removing it and then using the old brick to repair other parts of the building or even selling them as souvenirs.  Modern technology makes the structure superfluous, of course, but the entire site does have real historical significance.  The whole building is in serious disrepair and currently is an enterprise zone housing several other small companies besides Heritage.  The early success of Gibson built the place but today Heritage, though modestly successful, will not support a major re-furbishing of the building to its original glory.  It does seem unfortunate to think that one of the oldest buildings in Kalamazoo, representing one of the cities most significant industries might need to be destroyed.  I would hate to see it go.  Jim