GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The old polish hall on Jackson St. is a construction zone that's still open for business.
Claimed as the oldest hall in the United States, Jackson St.'s building, built in the 1800's, has been in need of some serious repairs.
"Siding that was falling off the building," explained Mike Kozal, fundraising chair for the hall. "There were some structural issues that had to be dealt with as well."
Before the upgrades, Jackson Street Hall was in danger of closing due to declining membership.
When it was decided that they would do everything they could to stay open, Anna Tylzynski, President of the Polish National Aid Society in Grand Rapids, said they were hit with a $600,000 repair bill.
"I was shocked," said Tylzynski. "Because being me, I would not have thought that that was the total cost."
But thanks to some generous people, and businesses, they've cut that cost in half.
"Approximately $300,000," said Tylzynski.
Contractors have donated time and materials to help fix the hall, they've also raised funds through their weekly fish fry's during Lent.
"They went through with a fine tooth comb, and just fixed it," said Kozal.
On the outside, new siding and an updated roof were also donated. Soon giving an old hall a fresh look.
"I knew our community would come through for us, I know our community will continue to come through for us," said Tylzynski.
With a new and updated look, the building, which has a cornerstone in the foundation that reads 1888, will hopefully be around for many more generations, and Pulaski days.
"We need to be going forward an aid to our community, be it to the school across the street, to the guest or to the neighbor of five blocks away to the neighbor that is seven miles away," said Tylzynski.
There are other fundraisers being planned for the hall, including on April 27th, where "longest running" girl band 6 Pak will perform a concert.
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Watch 13 ON YOUR SIDE for free on Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV and on your phone.