– OCP file photo
HART — The Monarch, an arts, culture, yoga and wellness center, was chosen as the winning proposal for redeveloping the former Congregational United Church.
The Hart Tax Increment Finance Authority selected the winning proposal by Cindy Beth Davis-Dykema for its Pitch for the Parcel redevelopment initiative “created to revitalize a prominent and historic property in downtown Hart,” states a press release from the Hart Economic and Redevelopment Team.
The three-parcel site — located at 408 and 412 S. State St. — includes the church building, a two-story residential home, and a one-story nursery building. “Gifted to TIFA in December 2023, the property was entrusted to the board with the hope that a suitable developer would emerge to shape its next chapter and contribute to the growth of downtown Hart.”
A total of 21 entries were submitted, and after review, five finalists were invited to present their vision to the TIFA board Tuesday, April 15. The other four finalists include:
- Patty Kersjes – Wellness Retreats & Airbnb
- Adam Perysian – Artificery: Event Venue, Garden & Art Center, Airbnb
- Eric Fowler – Bed & Breakfast, Café, and Event Center
- Anthony Lambert – Tasting Room, Wine Production, Retail, Residential, Outdoor Gardens
The board selected Cindy Beth Davis-Dykema as the winning developer for her visionary plan: The Monarch, a community-focused campus featuring:
- The Sanctuary (Est. 1885): A stained-glass venue for weddings, theatre performances, and large-scale community events (up to 150 guests)
- The Studio (Est. 1956): A glass-encased, year-round yoga studio and hub for the Oceana County yoga community
- The House (Est. 1895–1899): A shared space for wellness providers, administrative offices, and future plans for a green grocer and flower bar
Davis-Dykema has the opportunity to purchase the property for $1 — “contingent upon her commitment to meaningful redevelopment.”
“This is a chance to honor Hart’s history while investing in its future,” said Economic and Community Development Director Nichole Kleiner. “We’re especially excited to see the sanctuary come alive with performing arts and community gatherings. The Monarch will be a creative, inclusive, and restorative space that brings lasting value to our community.”
City officials received other proposals for development of the property over the course of the last year, but those proposals didn’t pan out, said Kleiner. The church is presently being rented by Hart Christian Fellowship for church services, but the other two buildings remain vacant.
The Congregational United Church closed at the end of 2023.
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