Sequence of Events

Community interest in the historic Morley School building led to a walk through on December 1, 2016 by Dean Dekryger, an architect from Cadillac. The intent was to discuss the viability of the building for community use. Although there was a good deal of damage from vandalism, Mr. Dekryger stated that the building appeared to be structurally sound with fairly up-to-date mechanical and electrical systems and he felt the building had much potential for various uses.

After several meetings with the Morley Stanwood School district Superintendent, Roger Cole, and the School Board to discuss possible community use, in the fall of 2017 various contractors toured the building to provide estimates on the cost of putting the building back into operation. The estimates provided a picture of the funds needed which seemed to be a reasonable amount.

In the spring of 2018 the superintendent and School Board consulted with the School attorneys and offered to lease the building to a community entity. The interested community group met on April 24, 2018, formed a Board, elected officers and voted to incorporate as the Morley Community Center Inc. (MCC) a nonprofit directorship corporation. Bylaws were adopted, banking established and a loan secured. The lease was negotiated with the Superintendent, Roger Cole, and signed by him and the MCC Chairman Gordon Galloway on August 16, 2018. On November 13, 2018, the IRS accepted the MCC as a 501(c)3 public charity effective April 28, 2018.

The lease with the School district is a free lease for 10 years that can be renewed indefinitely. The MCC's responsibility is to maintain the building, carry insurance, and pay the utilities.