City of Ferndale and Ferndale Schools Considering Land Swap Involving Kulick Community Center

(Crystal A. Proxmire, Aug. 28, 2025)

Ferndale, MI – After a recent reemergence in the public discourse, leaders in the City of Ferndale and Ferndale Public Schools have announced interest in a land-swap that would put the Kulick Community Center property in the hands of the city.

Located at 1201 Livernois, the property includes what originated as Washington Elementary School. The school opened in 1923.

According to the Ferndale Historical Society, Washington School closed its doors on June 15, 2000. That same year, the City of Ferndale agreed to lease the building from the school district for 30 years at a cost of $1 per year, and it became the new home of the Gerry Kulick Community Center on September 22, 2001.The center is named after the City Councilperson had spear-headed efforts to create a center.

In 2018 the City created a Kulick Center Task Force to consider the needs of the building and whether it would make more sense to repair the building, or build anew. At the time, the main concerns were new roof, a new boiler, and new windows.

During the pandemic the building officially closed and did not re-open, and further damage was caused when the roof was damaged in a storm.

The Ferndale Seniors group held an ice cream social in the parking lot before moving their meetings to the Hazel Park Community Center in 2021. That same year the city began looking strategically at all city-owned or leased building needs, creating a resident-led Facilities Task Force. The task force, in 2022, recommended the creation of a smaller recreation facility in Martin Road park.

In 2022, City Council voted to end their lease with Ferndale Schools, and to move Parks and Recreation administrative offices to the Incubizo building. And Kulick Center has remained vacant ever since. In 2024 there were community conversations about how to handle recreation facility needs for the city, with the potential for a pared-down recreation building at Martin Road Park. That plan relied upon the passage of a tax increase through a Headlee Override, which failed at the ballot box.

Recently Ferndale resident Eddie Sabatini, who lives across the street from the property, created the Kulick Coalition to push for local leaders to address what is to become of the property. He gathered signatures from over 300 people wanting to see the property utilized, and lobbied the district and the city to take action. The renewed public interest prompted officials in the city and the schools to come together to discuss potential solutions.

One solution that’s been discussed over the years has been a land swap, where the City would give the school district parcels of land adjacent to the Ferndale High School Property (between the tennis courts and the Former Hayes Lemmerz property, which is a wooded area closer to 8 Mile Road). And in turn, Ferndale Schools would give the Kulick property to the City.

Ferndale Schools Superintendent Camille Hibbler shared a statement on Aug 26 announcing the potential plans, stating:

As we prepare for the start of another exciting new school year, we have an important update to share about a place that holds deep meaning for so many of us—the Kulick Community Center. Our school district recognizes the historical and cultural importance of the community center. For generations, this building has been more than just a structure, it’s been a gathering place, a home for celebrations, a hub for programs and a cornerstone of our community’s story.

While it hasn’t been in use for the past several years due to infrastructure needs, we are committed to ensuring that it is preserved as a valuable resource in the years to come. To achieve this, we are working closely with the City of Ferndale to transfer ownership of the property to the City. We believe this will help preserve the center’s role in the community while opening new opportunities for growth and use. A final agreement has not yet been reached, however, we are encouraged by the progress being made and remain dedicated to seeing this process through.

As discussions move forward, we promise to keep you informed every step of the way. The Kulick Community Center belongs to all of us—not just in a legal sense, but in the memories, friendships and connections the space has formed across generations. Together, we can make sure it continues to be a place where memories are made for many years to come.

Ferndale Councilperson Laura Mikulski, who also lives near the Kulick property, has been vocal about her wishes for the City to reopen the community center. When asked what happens next, she told Oakland County Times “Any agreement is going to have to have a vote on the City Council side and on the School Board side.

“Then we’ll have hard conversations to figure out how we’re going to use that space once we acquire it. More conversations will need to be had, and some level of community engagement. And we’ll need to figure out funding for whatever we decide to do.”

Ferndale City Manager Colleen O’Toole said, “The City is pleased to be working with our partners at Ferndale Public Schools to identify a community-oriented solution for the Kulick Center. While these efforts are still in the early phases, we have great hope for the progress made thus far.”

Mayor Raylon-Leaks May added, “Working together makes real progress. The dedication and support from everyone in Ferndale propel the community forward. I’m excited to see how our community grows and creates safe spaces. Remarkable things happen when we engage and join forces.”

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