Green Block

713 E. Genesee Ave

What is green block?

Following the demolition of two Art Deco buildings in the heart of Downtown Saginaw, Re: Saginaw began taking an inventory of endangered structures throughout the city. We have been studying the East Genesee Historic Business District, which dates back to the early development of East Saginaw. The structures in this area ranged from the 1860s to the 1930s, and historically served as a small business district. Since the 1960s, this area has been plagued with vacancy and abandonment, though there are various anchors throughout the district that have made it a vital area for investment.

On a small wedge of land created by the intersection of Federal and East Genesee, Green Block has occupied 713 East Genesee since 1901. For more than a century, this building has served a number of purposes; a furrier, realtor’s office, auto supply shop, and most recently, a second-hand furniture store. It has been vacant for a number of years, ultimately acquired by the Saginaw County Land Bank Authority through property tax foreclosure in 2019.

the damage caused by a single water bottle

The building was acquired in 2021, and our team immediately got to work on stabilizing the building. During the first site visit, there was noticeable water damage in one concentrated area of the building. During the stabilization efforts, it was discovered that the roof liner had somehow been pulled back, allowing for water to enter between the roof and the parapet wall. Water had been pooling on the roof for years, telling us that something was obstructing the drain that would allow rainwater to drain. The obstruction was discovered, removed, and all of the water drained rapidly.

It was a plastic water bottle.

Had this bottle not plugged the roof drain, this building would have been an easy reactivation. Unfortunately, these types of issues are common throughout the City of Saginaw. Gutters pointed at foundations, windows and roof access hatches left open, roof damage going unaddressed for far too long; these are the problems that dominate the commercial real estate market. These are the things that lead to an immediate demolition when they begin to threaten the safety of the public.

Re: Saginaw Community Development will be renovating the facade of this building in Spring of 2025, faithful to the original construction. Green Block will be home to 2 commercial spaces on the first floor and 3 offices on the second floor.