For some people, Monroe is the home of La-Z-Boy furniture, or of General George Custer. But for generations of Michigan Catholics, it is known as the home of the bright blue-clad sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary or, more popularly, the IHMs.
Over time, the presence of the IHM sisters has dwindled as their numbers have, with fewer women entering religious life. That necessitated the redevelopment of their campus in downtown Monroe.
After several decades of reimagining and redevelopment, one piece remained: the St. Mary’s Academy building. The structure sat vacant for more than 20 years, until developer Keith Masserant signed a purchase agreement last year that will allow his company, KM Cornerstone, the ability to inspect the building, finalize plans for its future, and line up capital to complete an ambitious redevelopment project…