OPINION

Editorial: Witt family has met its lofty goals

Rarely has one family done more for a community than the Witt family has done for Port Huron in the past seven years.

Their latest project is the restoration of the historic Salvation Army Citadel in downtown Port Huron. The 112-year-old building, now sitting vacant, will be remade with six loft apartments on its upper floors, two retail storefronts on Huron Avenue and — perhaps — a theater facing Superior Street.

Georgina and Dave Witt, who live in Greenwood Township, and their son, Steve, owner of the well-regarded Sanctum Contracting, have a proven track record of doing superb work and finishing it on schedule.

They’re also known for investing their own money in their projects rather than relying on grants or other forms of public financing.

Since 2008, the Witts have pumped new life into the downtown by creating 42 luxury loft apartments, most recently 11 units above the old Ben’s Furniture Store on Huron Avenue.

Usually, they restore existing structures, but they also built Black River Harbor Place on Quay Street. It stands next door to Zebra Bar and Bowl-O-Drome, which the Witts renovated after buying the property at auction in 2010.

The Citadel, built in 1903, is a handsome brick structure with a once-exquisite interior. As always, look for the Witts to cherish the history of the building, preserving its unique features while appointing it with the latest in luxury living.

The Witts have helped turn the southern end of Superior Street into a charming, shop-lined promenade. With this project, they’re turning their attention to the portion of the street between Bard and Glenwood.

A theater, if it proves feasible, would provide an intimate space for 50 or 100 spectators.

It would be designed as a home for local theater groups rather than as a competitor to nearby McMorran Theater, which has 1,157 seats.

The Witts are still finalizing their plans for the Citadel. Time and again, they have proven that when they commit to a project, the job gets done.