Dexter City Council Discusses Historic Site for Public Bathrooms

Photo: 8050 Main became Dexter’s library in 1928. It was first Dexter’s original Post Office. Photo: dexter.lib.mi.us

At its May 27 meeting, Dexter City Council proposed to speak with the Dexter Development Authority (DDA) to continue planning for the 8050 Main Street building. Originally built as a post office in 1834, 8050 has transitioned through a variety of owners and businesses in its history. It is one of the oldest buildings in the city.

“In 1928 the building was purchased and refurbished by Senator Royal S. Copeland,” the May 27 council meeting packet said. “The Dexter Public Library, which was formally founded by the Dexter Woman’s Study Club in 1927, moved into the building in 1928. In 1938, the Copeland Family gave the building to the Village. The building continued to be used as a Library, until it was relocated to 3165 Baker Road in the 1960s.”

Afterwards, 8050 Main was used as Village Council Chambers and a Sub-Station by the Washtenaw County Sheriff, and since 2002 the building has transitioned through four different businesses: The Cookie MOMster, Hazel’s Kitchen, Jake’s Place and Hotel Hickman. Dexter City Council’s current plan is to turn the building into public restrooms for the Dexter community. Currently, the only public restrooms provided in Dexter are portable toilets in Monument Park.

“Staff has met on-site with OHM Advisors to do an initial walkthrough of the building, looking at both the interior and exterior,” according to the May 27 meeting packet. “In the interior, staff expressed the desire to have a minimum of two bathrooms, with the possibility of an open space toward the front of the building for a welcome center. For the exterior, the City expressed the desire to maintain its historic façade.”

Council has reached out to OHM Advisors for possible schematic designs. Suggested renovations include making the building ADA compliant, bringing electric systems up to code, installing heating and cooling and possible installation of a sewer manhole on the property. Mayor Shawn Keough stated his intention to speak with the DDA at the June 19 city meeting to continue pursuing this project.