Buried Building Remains Found Beneath Albion’s Bournelis Park

Work to plant a permanent Christmas tree at Bournelis Park in downtown Albion uncovered foundation pieces and other buried building material beneath a concrete pad.

The project was intended to replace Albion’s practice of buying a temporary tree each year with a living tree selected by Gee Farms.

Crews began by removing a broken and heaved circular concrete pad, planning to dig a hole about 50 inches wide and four feet deep.

Only a few inches below the surface, workers encountered what organizers described as remnants of a buried building.

Continued excavation uncovered parts of a foundation, stones, cinder block, debris, sewer pipe, water lines, electrical wire and concrete slabs.

The discovery expanded a straightforward tree-planting project into a substantial cleanup and site-preparation effort.

Crews removed the buried material and nearby locust trees, then brought in clean topsoil to a depth of about five feet.

Organizers thanked Albion Electric, local contractors, tree specialists, chamber representatives and staff members who helped meet the planting deadline.

Additional improvements are planned, including replacement of the concrete steps, new landscaping and lighting.

The City of Albion’s parks plan places Bournelis Park at the northeast corner of Cass and Superior streets, overlooking the Kalamazoo River and historic Cass Street bridge.

The park is named for Pete Bournelis, who operated a shoe-repair business at the corner for decades.

The new tree is expected to become a lasting centerpiece for downtown celebrations, including the Greater Albion Chamber’s Albion A-Glow tree-lighting program.

What was found beneath Bournelis Park in Albion?

Answer: Crews uncovered foundation pieces, concrete, utility materials and other debris described as remnants of a buried building.

Why were crews digging at Bournelis Park?

Answer: They were preparing the site for a permanent living Christmas tree.

Is the buried structure’s identity confirmed?

Answer: No specific building or construction date has been confirmed in the available reporting.