The Sturgis Area Community Foundation (SACF) is revitalizing a historic building in the heart of downtown Sturgis into a vibrant, accessible community space, and a new charitable fund is fueling the effort.

The renovation of 104–106 N. Nottawa Street will convert the historic structure into a fully restored, structurally sound building that will serve as the future home of the Foundation’s offices while also creating shared gathering space for nonprofit organizations, community leaders, businesses, and partners from across St. Joseph County. The project is the first major investment of the newly established SIA Community Impact Fund, a charitable fund held at the Foundation dedicated to supporting community and economic development throughout the county.

Community members who have noticed changes to the building over the past year, including the removal of the metal façade from the exterior, have seen just the beginning. The full renovation will bring the entire structure back to life: creating accessible, welcoming spaces where organizations can come together, where ideas can grow into action, and where community leaders can meet to inspire meaningful change.

“This project represents more than the renovation of a building,” said Anna Brand, Interim Executive Director of SACF. “It reflects a long-term commitment to investing in the people, partnerships, and places that strengthen our communities. We want this space to be a gathering point at the heart of downtown – where ideas take shape, organizations collaborate, and local leaders work together to create lasting change.”

The renovation will also directly benefit the neighboring Open Door Gallery by improving safe, accessible connections to the building’s upper floors – unlocking space that has long been out of reach.

The Foundation recognizes the vital role the Gallery plays in enriching community life through the arts, and opening the full building creates new opportunities for expanded programming, exhibits, workshops, and arts education for residents across St. Joseph County and beyond.

Established on October 14, 2025, the SIA Community Impact Fund was created through a partnership between the Sturgis Area Community Foundation and the Sturgis Improvement Association to continue the SIA’s legacy of strengthening the local economy through long-term, strategic charitable investment.

“The SIA has, since its inception, sought to bring new businesses to Sturgis to improve the community and create additional jobs,” said Kirby Baker, SIA Community Impact Chair and former President of the SIA Board. “As we no longer have the ability to offer land to attract new businesses, we have decided to join forces with the Sturgis Area Community Foundation to promote economic development through expanding access to housing, creating or retaining jobs, supporting business development, and revitalizing underserved communities. By partnering with the Foundation, our hope is to not only support the City of Sturgis, but communities across all of St. Joseph County.”

The SIA Community Impact Fund is a charitable fund supporting initiatives across St. Joseph County that expand access to housing, create or retain local jobs, strengthen workforce development, support small businesses and entrepreneurs, and revitalize underserved or underutilized spaces.

The 104–106 N. Nottawa project serves as the fund’s first major community investment, a demonstration of how strategic redevelopment can strengthen downtown, create opportunities for collaboration, and contribute to long-term economic vitality.

An advisory committee made up of former SIA Board members, Foundation Board members, and community leaders guides the direction of the fund and identifies projects that will create lasting impact across the county.

The Sturgis Area Community Foundation is a $54 million foundation committed to supporting the charitable needs of the communities we serve and enriching the quality of life for all people in St. Joseph County, Michigan. Through philanthropic services, strategic investments, and community leadership, the Sturgis Area Community Foundation connects generosity with need and supports initiatives that foster long-term impact and opportunity for generations to come.

For more information on grants or donor services, email sacf@sturgisfoundation.org.