Mount Clemens approves short-term lease amendment to fund Anton Arts Center elevator repair
January 21, 2026 | Mount Clemens, Macomb County, Michigan
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The Mount Clemens City Commission on Jan. 20 authorized the city attorney to amend the Anton Arts Center lease to advance funds for a full elevator replacement after staff said the current elevator is failing and the Arts Center lacks the immediate funds to pay for a full replacement.
City Manager Mister Shipman read a legal opinion summarizing the situation and a contractor quote, saying "the cost to repair the elevator is $153,530" and that the quoted company, Martin Elevator Service, is the vendor that won the city contract. Shipman said the city could advance funds and amend the lease to allow the Anton Arts Center to repay the city over time.
The proposed amendment, as moved by a commissioner, included a 2% administrative fee on the quoted amount, creating a total advance of $156,600 and a repayment period not to exceed 24 months; staff noted that a 12-month repayment would equate to approximately $13,050 per month. Commissioners discussed precedent for municipalities making capital improvements to city-owned buildings occupied by nonprofit tenants and the risk if the arts center failed to repay.
Commissioners and arts center representatives stressed urgency. One participant noted the building was effectively without a working elevator and that "it is time of the essence" to restore access to upper floors and galleries. A staff speaker estimated ordering and lead time for parts at about 8–10 weeks and an additional 6–8 weeks for installation under best-case timing, meaning completion could fall in late spring to early summer.
The commission voted to authorize the attorney to prepare the amended lease and the short-term advance with the administrative fee; the motion passed by roll call.
What happens next: staff will negotiate repayment terms with Anton Arts Center officials and return final lease language for record. The commission and staff noted that if the art center failed to meet repayment obligations the city would retain a building with a working elevator and the option to seek alternate occupants or remedies under the lease.
City Manager Mister Shipman read a legal opinion summarizing the situation and a contractor quote, saying "the cost to repair the elevator is $153,530" and that the quoted company, Martin Elevator Service, is the vendor that won the city contract. Shipman said the city could advance funds and amend the lease to allow the Anton Arts Center to repay the city over time.
The proposed amendment, as moved by a commissioner, included a 2% administrative fee on the quoted amount, creating a total advance of $156,600 and a repayment period not to exceed 24 months; staff noted that a 12-month repayment would equate to approximately $13,050 per month. Commissioners discussed precedent for municipalities making capital improvements to city-owned buildings occupied by nonprofit tenants and the risk if the arts center failed to repay.
Commissioners and arts center representatives stressed urgency. One participant noted the building was effectively without a working elevator and that "it is time of the essence" to restore access to upper floors and galleries. A staff speaker estimated ordering and lead time for parts at about 8–10 weeks and an additional 6–8 weeks for installation under best-case timing, meaning completion could fall in late spring to early summer.
The commission voted to authorize the attorney to prepare the amended lease and the short-term advance with the administrative fee; the motion passed by roll call.
What happens next: staff will negotiate repayment terms with Anton Arts Center officials and return final lease language for record. The commission and staff noted that if the art center failed to meet repayment obligations the city would retain a building with a working elevator and the option to seek alternate occupants or remedies under the lease.
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