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Historic home could be used for weddings, similar events
Plans are in the works for the city of Wixom to lease the Gibson House, a historic landmark, to an entrepreneur who plans to turn it into a venue for weddings and similar events.
The farmhouse is located on the south side of Pontiac Trail, west of Old Wixom Road.
Kim Russo, owner of The Gathering Place Milford Banquet Center, and who also leases St. Mary’s Old Stone Church in Milford for similar functions, bridged a deal with the city where she would make renovations to the home’s interior and grounds.
“She is gearing it toward a garden wedding venue,” said Assistant City Manager Tony Nowicki. “She has identified a need for special events in unique settings.”
Russo also plans to set up an inside tea room for small events and may make accommodations for a bakery down the line.
In turn, the city plans to lease the building free of charge.
“She will be making tangible improvements that will add to the asset,” Nowicki said.
Apart from interior renovations, Russo plans to install a paved driveway and parking lot. Russo would be responsible for paying utility costs which would result in a cost avoidance for the city of $5,000 (annually), Nowicki said.
“It’s a unique way of doing things,” he said. “It’s a fair deal for both parties.”
The Gibson House is a two-story Italianate style farmhouse built by Matthew Gibson after he came to the United States from Ireland in 1830. He purchased the 168-acre parcel in Wixom at a public auction in 1861.
The property was sold off in sections beginning in the 1950s. The city purchased what was left — a 3.31-acre parcel — in 1995 from the trusts of Mildred and Harold Gibson, grandchildren of the original owner.
The city preserved the Italianate villa style and restored the interior to its late 19th century appearance in order to maintain the structure’s agricultural history and integrity.
“We’ve re-roofed the house, put on a new deck and had the house remodeled since we purchased it,” said Director of Parks and Recreation Deanna Magee.
In addition, the city recarpeted, updated the kitchen and put in a gravel parking lot and circular driveway. A soccer field was also built in the rear of the property.
6 Responses to Historic home could be used for weddings, similar events
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kristin
May 26, 2011 at 1:57 pm
I was supposed to have my wedding at The Gathering Place Milford Banquet Center, aka the Old Stone Church. Kim Russo took several thousand dollars in deposits from my fiance and I and promised us our dream wedding. Her occupancy permit was revoked due to non-compliance with local building codes and now she refuses to give my money back. She has vacated the building and cut her losses. On to the Gibson House now. Beware of this woman and her business practices! She has already ruined over a dozen weddings in 2011 and left in her wake several distraught brides with empty pockets.
I doubt her venture at the Gibson House will be any more successful!
DO NOT BOOK YOUR WEDDING WITH KIM RUSSO!
And to you spinalcoulmnonline.com, why would you advertise for a woman who is being sued for fraud and could be facing criminal charges as well? Maybe write an article warning people about this woman!
Steven
February 7, 2012 at 4:39 pm
Hi Kristin, did you ever get your money back? She owes my wife money as well but nobody could find her….
Patty
March 23, 2012 at 10:52 am
Hi Steven,
She owes my husband and I money also. Would like any information you have to help
with court proceedings. Thank you.
one
March 9, 2012 at 1:48 am
good
Tiles
March 9, 2012 at 1:50 am
Above sharing such that information being watch for really wonderful. It through many task news collection from here! Thanks for sharing news.
Patty
March 23, 2012 at 10:20 am
We had rented our place to Kim for a weeks vacation and received a NSF check. Haven’t heard from her either. Would like any information on her if you have any. Have started court proceedings.