Three coins found under columns at historic Grand Haven State Bank building during demolition
When the demolition work was completed, workers found pennies that are 117 years old — dating back to when the bank building was first built.
By Mary Ellen Murphy
WGHN Radio
GRAND HAVEN — The historic Grand Haven State Bank building at 229 Washington Ave. was demolished last week, clearing the way for a new hotel development.
Crews brought down the structure over the course of Monday and Tuesday, with fencing surrounding the site. The building’s distinctive white entrance columns — long a recognizable feature downtown — might be saved.
Well, at least some of it, Mayor Bob Monetza said.
"They did pick up some of the bigger pieces that were still kind of intact," Monetza told WGHN radio. "They saved part of that pediment. ... I don't know what they're going to do with them."
When the demolition work was completed, workers found pennies that are 117 years old — dating back to when the bank building was first built.
"When they took the columns down underneath one of the columns, they found three pennies dated 1909. They were put in there as kind of a landmark thing, because that's when they went up," Monetza said. "So, they're kind of a relic, and they're probably pretty valuable. I don't really know what a 1909 penny is worth, but it's just the fact that it was there and they found it."
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The two buildings were removed to make way for a five-story, 128-room Residence Inn by Marriott hotel, a project approved by the Grand Haven City Council in 2025.
Plans for the development include a public green space with campfire pits, an indoor pool, fitness area, 89 parking spaces and a main entrance along Columbus Avenue.
Developers previously indicated a goal of completing the hotel in time for the 2027 Coast Guard Festival.
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