By Jim Bloch
Port Huron is becoming more of college town than it has ever been.
The board of trustees of St. Clair County Community College voted unanimously Oct. 9 to endorse the school’s purchase of City Flats Hotel and the Sperry’s Moviehouse for $5.45 million.
“This strategic acquisition will allow SC4 to broaden its educational offerings and better serve students throughout the region,” said the college in a press release. “The new properties will support college programs and services, complementing SC4’s ongoing development efforts both on campus and in the surrounding community.”
It’s not the first time the college has ventured into the downtown real estate market. In 2016, it bought the McMorran Pavilion from the city for one dollar, agreeing to spend $3 million to transform the building into the Fieldhouse, which can seat 1,700 for sporting events and features a fitness center and indoor track, open to students and the public.
In 2017, SC4 purchased the Main Street Lodge and Suites for $550,000 and turned it into a 40-unit complex to house students.
The new purchases were presaged earlier this year when the college reached an agreement to rent rooms in the hotel for student housing.
“Our responsibility to meet the needs of students inspired us to pursue this exciting opportunity to grow the college in meaningful ways,” said SC4 President Kirk Kramer in a statement. “The value of this transaction goes beyond the buildings—it’s about expanding our ability and capacity to serve students and the community. SC4 is deeply woven into the fabric of Downtown Port Huron, and this expansion strengthens our role as a vital contributor to the area’s energy, life, and future.”
SC4 plans to use the buildings to expand student housing, launch a college meal plan, enhance student activities and attract advanced degree programs to the area, according to the news release. It expects the use of the buildings to boost student satisfaction, making it easier to attract and retain students.
Enrollment was up 19 percent this fall.
“The college is also exploring the development of a new hospitality program focused on event and hotel management, with potential for a four-year degree offering,” said SC4.
“Importantly, SC4 will maintain the theater spaces for student and community use. All existing tenant agreements and event bookings will be honored, and catering services will continue uninterrupted.”
College officials expect the buildings to pay for themselves, generating enough revenue to cover their operating costs.
“First, let me say how much I’ve cherished the opportunity to develop Sperry’s and City Flats Hotel,” said Charles Reid, current owner of the properties, in a statement. “These buildings have been my passion projects, and I’ve enjoyed every minute of bringing them to life. But I also recognize that at this stage of my career, I’ve taken them as far as I can. That’s why my introduction to SC4 has been so meaningful. Under the leadership of Kirk Kramer, I see a team with vision, heart, and purpose. And with my own background as an educator, I couldn’t imagine a better partner to carry these buildings forward. For me, this isn’t about business alone—it’s about creating a lasting legacy rooted in education and community.”
Jim Bloch is a freelance writer based in St. Clair, Michigan. Contact him at bloch.jim@gmail.com.
