News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Alpena Engineer Steve Shultz looks out a window of his office while at work at City Hall on Tuesday. That window, and all of the building’s other windows, will be replaced next year thanks to a grant from the Edward Grzelak estate.

ALPENA — Improvements for city hall in Alpena have been in the city’s capital improvement plan for years, but funding has prevented larger-scale projects from being completed.

A large project is going to be scratched off the list, however, as Alpena is leveraging a $80,954 grant from the Edward Grzelak estate to be used with money the city received from the America Rescue Plan Act to replace 40-plus windows on the historic building.

In her report to the Alpena Municipal Council on Monday, City Manager Rachel Smolinski said finances haven’t allowed the project to be done, but the graciousness of those that issue funds from Grzelak’s estate in his honor, have allowed for it to be done sooner than expected.

“City Hall was constructed in 1905 and there is never a shortage of needed improvements and building maintenance projects for this historic building,” she said. “City representatives are grateful to Ed Grzelak for his philanthropy without which this project may not have come to fruition.”

City Engineer Steve Shultz said the project is expected to cost about $250,000 but that amount could fluctuate when the bids come in. He said work should begin in the spring and once complete, it will stabilize temperatures inside City Hall and lower energy costs.

After sharing the news about the money and project, Smolinski gave the council a brief history lesson about Grzelak and how his generosity has helped many people in Alpena for decades.

She said Grzelak was born in 1930 and lived in the community of Leer in Long Rapids Township. Edward engaged in farming with his parents until 1958 at which time he moved to Alpena to become a Class A Oiler with Abitibi Price. He was employed by Abitibi for 33 years and retired in 1992 having never missed a day of work.

Smolinksi shared a few examples of how Grzelak supported the people and causes in Alpena over many years.

“Mr. Grzelak has provided many legacy gifts during his lifetime including establishing educational scholarships at Alpena Community College that will impact hundreds of students now and well into the future; dedicating his beautiful home in 2018 to MyMichigan Health to house medical students during their rotations in Alpena and providing the musical bell tower and chimes at First United Methodist Church,” she said. “Mr. Grzelak’s life was dedicated to service and helping the people and organizations that enhance the community now and well into the future. His love of God, education, and healthcare were of utmost importance to him.”

Grzelak also did volunteer work for the Salvation Army, the Friendship Room, the Alpena Senior Citizen Center where he served as a board member for six years, and the Alpena Township Election Board, which he sat on for 18 years.

Before he died, Grzelak was honored by local and state officials for his dedication to the Alpena area and his fellow residents.

On May 2, 2019, Grzelak’s 90th birthday, he was presented a State of Michigan Special Tribute proclaimed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, State Senator Jim Stamas, and District Representative Sue Allor, recognizing his vast philanthropic support to Alpena Community College, MyMichigan Medical Center, Leer Lutheran Church and Museum and the First United Methodist Church.