Signs of Life at the HAC

Demolition has started on the Huron Athletic Club building in downtown Port Huron. Owner Larry Jones said crews have started demolition work on the inside of the HAC, the first obvious sign of activity in two years. The roof collapsed on the rear of the building in 2011. Jones plans to turn the building into a New Orleans-inspired, Mardi Gras-themed restaurant. The mortgage debt against the property continues to be an issue and hold plans up for several months. The building, which Jones said is valued at about $40,000, has between $850,000 and $900,000 in mortgage debt and back taxes held against it. It is currently in foreclosure and will go through a sheriff’s sale, according to attorney John Adair. Jones will have six months to match the amount paid at the sheriff’s sale and reclaim the property, Adair said. Jones said it is possible he could lose the building but it is a risk he’s willing to take.