The Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center faces uncertain future
The federal government has listed the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center in Battle Creek for potential sale. The General Services Administration labeled the property as "underutilized and functionally obsolete" on Thursday. The move is part of a broader federal effort to dispose of underused buildings and save taxpayers $430 million.
The federal center employs more than 1,000 people. Most of those workers are with the Defense Logistics Agency Disposition Services.
Jobs remain the top priority for community leaders
Joe Sobieralski, president and CEO of Battle Creek Unlimited, said the news was not a surprise. He said the building has been on the radar for years.
"Over the years, it's been on the list or been close to being on the list. It's nothing that you know, took us by surprise. We knew this was coming some day."
Sobieralski said the community's first priority is keeping those jobs in Battle Creek. He wants the Defense Logistics Agency and Federal Protective Services to find new locations within the city.
"Trying to secure and make sure that the two tenants of the building, the DLA, and the federal protective services, find homes in and around Battle Creek, so we can preserve that workforce in Battle Creek, that's priority 1."
The sale process begins
The disposition process follows a set sequence. Federal agencies will have the first opportunity to express interest in the property. Local government entities will have the next chance. Private sector buyers will be considered last.
Sobieralski called the building difficult to repurpose. He noted its age and size create challenges for any future buyer.
"I think that is going to be a difficult building to repurpose. From my understanding, talking with the federal government, is there is a process they're starting. They're going to see if any federal agency may have interest in it. Then they'll see if there's any local interest. Then it is going to go to the private sector."
Housing potential if the stars align
Sobieralski sees a possible path for the historic building to help with local housing needs. He said the right developer and development incentives could make it work.
"It is a very large and old building. It has some historic significance to it. Highest and best use, if all the stars were to align with development incentives, and the right developer, and all those things, it could probably contribute to some significant housing. Some significant housing in the community."
An employee inside the building told FOX 17 that the uncertainty is the hardest part of the situation.
Sobieralski said any changes are years away. If no buyer emerges and jobs stay preserved in other community facilities, the federal government will continue to own and maintain the property.
This story was reported by Julie Dunmire for FOX 17.