Sports hall of fame moving to downtown Ludington.

Vic Burwell, president of the MCSHF shows concepts of the new museum.

By Rob Alway. Editor-in-Chief.

LUDINGTON — The Mason County Sports Hall of Fame, currently located at Historic White Pine Village in Pere Marquette Township, will be moving to the former PNC Bank building at 130 E. Ludington Ave, the southwest corner of Ludington Avenue and Harrison Street in downtown Ludington.

Members of the MCSHF board spoke Monday during the regular meeting of the Ludington City Council.

“The board is extremely proud of what has been accomplished in the past through the recognition of individuals and teams who have contributed to the history of local athletes,” MCSHF President Vic Burwell said. “With the acquisition of the new facility we will now have the opportunity to greatly expand our ability to recognize our athletic heritage, preserve our legacy and celebrate the positive influence that athletics have on our daily lives — and do it in a fun way.”

The former PNC building was made possible through an anonymous donor. The new facility will include the MCSHF and many other attractions with elements designed to educate and entertain visitors.

“The new use for the old PNC bank building is a wonderful addition to downtown Ludington giving residents and visitors another compelling reason to spend time and money in the central business district,” City Manager John Shay said.

The new museum will be located across the street from Sandcastles Children’s Museum and less than a block from the Ludington Area Center for the Arts.

Burwell said the museum will include interactive exhibits with the goals to “preserve, educate and inspire.”

“We are aware that this new project is a significant undertaking,” Burwell said. “We will be involved in a major fundraising effort that will pay for the conversion of the interior of the building into a facility that can tell the important story of athletics while offering a great visitor experience. It will take a generous amount of money and the help of a lot of good people. Lucky for us, Mason County has a lot of good people.”

The MCSHF was founded in 2004. “It was founded to honor both the individuals and teams who have inspired us through their athletic achievements,” Burwell said. The 11th class of  hall of fame inductees will be celebrated on June 20.