MASON, Mich.  Despite concerns of nearby residents, leaders of Mason First United Methodist Church say their $2 million expansion will not adversely affect its downtown-area neighborhood.
The 7,200-square-foot expansion project will be three stories and include an elevator, three classrooms, new restrooms on the main and lower levels, a library and a nursery, according to the Lansing State Journal. A new 86-space parking lot is also being added. The project is scheduled to be complete by May.
Some residents oppose the expansion, claiming it will lower property values and destroy the downtown area's historical look.
Jan and Vaughn Hale sold their red brick Victorian home just days before construction began in November.
"We figured that we should sell it before all of that started," said Jan Hale. "We were quite upset about it. We chose that house because we liked that neighborhood, and being antique collectors, we liked the historical ambience."
Norman Austin, chairman of the church's building committee, said the 165-year-old church is expanding and renovating because the 512-member congregation wants the building to be more open to the public and handicap accessible.
"We have worked very hard to make the changes blend in with and enhance the downtown square," he said.
