Benton Harbor City Commissioners have approved a contract with Abonmarche to provide design and construction services for the upcoming renovation of the Bobo Brazil Community Center.

The building at 472 Cass Street, also known as the Armory, has been closed since 2009. However, Benton Harbor this year was awarded a $1 million grant from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity to begin fixing it up.

Commissioners had until December 30 to lock in a contract for use of the funds, and that’s what they did with Abonmarche this week.

Mayor Marcus Muhammad said he’s glad to see the Armory getting some work.

“I am overjoyed,” Muhammad said. “I’ve seen it vandalized. I’ve seen the Armory, as in the words of Mayor Pro Tem, it’s been on life support and it breaks my heart to see the legacy of Bobo Brazil, whose been honored all over the world.”

Interim City Manager Alex Little says this contract covers the initial steps needed to get the Armory back in working order. He’s requested roof repairs and the replacement of windows to make the building heatable.

Commissioner Ethel Clark Griffin complained during the meeting that she wasn’t consulted about the hiring of Abonmarche because the center is in her district. Little said a committee unanimously voted to select Abonmarche.

In the end, the vote on the contract was unanimous.