Solid bones and a storied legacy.
The Vermeulen building stands as testament to our past. It’s a piece of downtown Alma history that we were so lucky to save and sharing with future generations. As we look forward to the new, take a look back at the storied history of this space.
1890
The Vermeulen Block, sometimes known as the Lee Mercantile Building, was constructed between 1890 and 1896. Henry J. Vermeulen purchased the lot from William Bahlke in 1890.
1896
The Vermeulen Building is home to saloon and jewelry store, with housing on-site.
1902
As Alma grew, so did the Vermeulen, by the beginning of the 20th century, the building was used as a grocery, a men’s furnishing shop, and a dry goods store featuring clothes, crockery, glassware and general items.
1910
The Lee Mercantile Company took over the department store operations in 1900 and operated on consignment from Marshall Field of Chicago.
Michigan’s first electric theatre opens in the Vermeulen. Over the years the building housed many of Alma’s early theaters. These include the Fishbeck Theatre, the Alma Vaudette, the Genesta Theatre and the Liberty Theatre.
1916
The Alma State Savings Bank opens – it would later become the Bank of Alma.
1920
Alma businessman John Luchini leased the building for a recreational facility, installing a bowling alley on the second floor.