Capital Campaign

 $250,000 CAPITAL CAMPAIGN FOR THE MILLS COMMUNITY HOUSE
THE PROJECT
As a 113-year-old building, the Mills is in need of nearly constant updates. In December 2021, our elevator was out of commission for nearly a week before it was restored to service. We made much-needed improvements in 2021,including a roof replacement and building restrooms on the upper level, where most events are held. The new restrooms are sure to be a huge asset moving forward as we host more events and further engage with our community.

In 2022, our goal is to fundraise enough to cover the cost of several important building infrastructure projects, including replacement of our 30-year-old hydraulic elevator, creating an ADA-compliant, safer, smoother access to the building (an estimated cost of over $250,000). We also need exterior building work such as replacement of damaged wooden fascia and tuck pointing of deteriorating brick work. 2021, our elevator was out of commission for nearly a week before it was restored to service. We made much-needed improvements in 2021,including a roof replacement and building restrooms on the upper level, where most events are held. The new restrooms are sure to be a huge asset.
TO MAKE A DONATION
Visit our Ways to Give Page> for various donation options
Mills Cottage 1913
Mills Cottage 1913
Mills Community House today
Mills Community House today
​ABOUT THE MILLS
The Mills Community House has beenavailable for community use for over 100years and continues to be a gathering placefor a variety of organizations and events.
Today, several organizations use the Mills Community House to present public programs, concerts, theater, and lectures for both adults and children, including
  • 100+ Women Who Care
  • Benzie Area Historical Society
  • Benzie County Players
  • Benzonia Public Library
  • Benzie Conservation District
2021 AT A GLANCE
It was a busy year both in and outdoors, for the board and volunteers alike. Throughout the year, we 
  • Beautified the landscape with new native plant and pollinator gardens with the help of nine Master Gardener volunteers dedicating 500+ hours
  • Installed a garden shed
  • Resurfaced/restriped the parking lot
  • Replaced the old with a 30-year roof
  • Had 7 diseased beech trees removed for public safety
  • Placed three memorial benches
  • Built two accessible unisex bathrooms on the third level
  • Launched an Instagram account and gained over 125 new followers
2022 GOALS AND PLANS
  • Strategic planning
  • Fundraising capital campaign
  • Pollinator garden
  • STEM field trip withCrystal Lake Elementary 4th and 5thgraders
  • Exploring a mutual aid concert series
  • A family-friendly outdoor event
  • Mills coffee mugs for sale
  • Library events we are excited about
  • Establishing annual joint meetings with the Library board and Friends
  • More social media content, including board member interviews and then/now historic videos of the area
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OUR STORY
The distinctive red brick building, built in 1909 as a dormitory for the Benzonia Academy, became the Mills Community House in 1925. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Mills has been used as a public venue throughout its history: a gymnasium, meeting location for educational and cultural programs, and home to the Benzonia Public Library for nearly 100 years.

In 2002, the Mills House was deeded from the Congregational Church of Benzonia to the Mills Community House Association (MCHA), a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization. The board of directors is made up of community supporters who believe in the value of this historic landmark and the potential of our community.
OUR HEARTFELT THANKS TO EARLY
MAJOR SUPPORTERS*
$10,000+
100+ Women Who Care
Anonymous (2)
$5,000-$9,999
Roger and Phoebe Vance
Linda Kehr
$1,000-$4,999
Martha Garber
Thor and Susan Goff
Jane Purkis
​OUR MISSION
The mission of the Mills Community House Association is to "provide a venue for arts, cultural, and educational opportunities and experiences in Benzie County through the renovation, preservation, and operation of the historic Mills Community House as the center of these community functions."