Amway heir working to save Ada's historic Little Red Schoolhouse

By Madison Bennett | MLive

Cheri DeVos, daughter of Amway founder Richard DeVos Sr., has purchased the village's historic Little Red Schoolhouse and has big plans for its future.

DeVos said she plans to relocate the historic structure during construction, and then return it with full upgrades to the riverfront park area, restored to its former glory as a candy and ice cream store.

"I was excited to have the opportunity to help the village preserve some of the important quaint character we all know and love about Ada," DeVos said.

Plans for the schoolhouse were announced following a Downtown Development Authority meeting on Monday, July 24.  

DeVos has a history of saving historic buildings. She purchased and renovated the Ottawa Beach General Store adjacent to Holland State Park in 2010.

The Little Red Schoolhouse was the original Carl School, located on the northwest corner of two roads, now known as Carl and Grand River drives.

The building stood in that location from 1859 to 1964, until it was relocated to Ada village.

DeVos' hope is to restore the 900-square-foot original red-painted wood building and create a family experience that will also connect to the newly developing riverfront park area along the Thornapple River.

In 1986, there was a petition to shut down the ringing of the schoolhouse bell. Ringing of the bell will return on special occasions, she said, which DeVos hopes residents and local business owners will help determine.

"We are very excited to keep the Little Red Schoolhouse as one more destination in Ada that will ultimately help bring people down to the Thornapple River area," said Ashley Jolman, executive director of the Ada Business Association.

The initial design for the Ada riverfront park area was presented to the DDA with the Little Red Schoolhouse shown as a building, owned by the township, for public restrooms.

At a June 12 DDA meeting, Jim Ferro, Ada Township planning director, announced that the schoolhouse would remain in private ownership and said that they would "work with our architect, Progressive AE, on new plans for public restrooms at another location and likely experience some cost savings on the project."

A final timeline on the temporary movement, renovation and reopening of the Ada Little Red Schoolhouse is expected within 30 days.

This post originally appeared on MLive.com July 26, 2017.