Michigan Gateway Community Foundation Opens New Headquarters in Restored Ross-Sanders House

The Michigan Gateway Community Foundation (MGCF) celebrated a major milestone on Friday, November 21, with a ribbon cutting ceremony marking the official opening of its new headquarters at the historic Ross-Sanders House in downtown Buchanan. The event followed immediately after the City’s ceremony reopening downtown—capping off nearly a year of construction and signaling a powerful moment of renewal for the community.

The ceremony drew city officials, state and federal representatives, chamber leaders, business owners, and community members, all gathering to celebrate what many described as a defining moment for Buchanan’s continued revitalization.

Brandon Dejaynes, Executive Director of the Buchanan Area Chamber of Commerce, opened the program by highlighting the symbolism of the day. “Standing downtown for the reopening of the streets where the former MGCF headquarters stood, and then marching here to this historic building—it captures what Buchanan is about,” Dejaynes said. “Renovation, revitalization, and re-imagining a 175-year-old structure so it can become a place that plans and invests in our future.”

MGCF President & CEO Michael Rowland shared the history behind the multi-year effort to restore the Ross-Sanders House and prepare it for the Foundation’s long-term home. “This building has stood the test of time,” Rowland said. “It’s seen wars, depressions, and downturns—and here it stands. That’s a real symbol of the work we do at Michigan Gateway Community Foundation.”

Rowland noted the Foundation’s significant growth—doubling assets in the last five years—and its increasing need for a space that reflects its mission and supports expanding programs such as the Buchanan Promise, Youth Advisory Council, and Kickstart to Career. He credited a strong partnership with the City of Buchanan, the Buchanan Preservation Society, and local contractors for making the project possible.

Through a preservation easement established with the Preservation Society, the Ross-Sanders House is now permanently protected. “No matter what happens to Michigan Gateway or to the city, this house will always be here,” Rowland said. “It’s a commitment to our community’s future.”

Representatives from state and federal offices also spoke, including Carly Swanson from the Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s Office of Community Engagement, who emphasized the importance of collaborative local investment. “It takes a strong sense of community to make magic like this happen,” she said, noting the significant role foundations play in strengthening Michigan communities.

Lee Belding, speaking on behalf of Congressman Tim Walberg, celebrated the Foundation’s impact not just locally, but across the region. “We hear about the work of this Foundation all across our district,” he said. “Investments like these make great cities—and lessen the community’s reliance on government alone.”

Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber President & CEO Arthur Havlicek praised the project as a powerful example of vision and leadership. “One of the Foundation’s mottos is ‘For Good. Forever.’ Now you can see the physical embodiment of that. This renovation required true vision,” Havlicek said. “Michael and the Foundation have left a legacy that will impact generations.”

After remarks concluded, MGCF Board Members gathered with community leaders at the front steps for the official ribbon cutting, marking the building’s next chapter as a hub for philanthropy, community programs, and long-term civic investment.

The Foundation invited guests to tour the newly restored space and enjoy refreshments provided by 2nd & Main Coffeehouse.

The celebration marked not just the opening of a building, but a renewed commitment to Buchanan’s future—following immediately on the heels of downtown’s reopening, the day served as a powerful symbol of progress, collaboration, and shared vision.