Historic Downtown Jackson, Michigan Building to Get New Purpose

Some buildings will always fascinate me. DuPuis et Fils Jewelers is one of them. Its Egyptian-inspired design and ornate exterior draw you into an even more extravagant interior. Since 2012, it has sat empty, waiting for some aspiring entrepreneurs to give this downtown Jackson, Michigan staple a new life and purpose. It seems both have been found, and in my opinion, if everything pans out as planned, the new owners will strike 'gold' for their use of the former DuPuis et Fils Jewelers.

New owners Tricia and Brock Cavins, who spoke with MLive, plan to turn DuPuis et Fils into an event space, market, and—something Jackson, Michigan, has desperately needed—a party store in the downtown district. They plan on naming the new business "Bugg's Market" to honor the owners of the original building, William and Maude Bugg. It's said that Maude still haunts this building today.

Du Puis et Fils--Bugg Jewelers Building in Jackson, Michigan to Get New Life, Purpose

While Jackson has several incredible event spaces, like the Common Wealth Commerce Center, American 1 Credit Union Event Center, the Jackson County Tower Ballroom, and Lean Rocket Lab, none of them will offer the historic charm this former jewelry store will.

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The Cavins intend to improve the flooring but will do everything they can to preserve the building's original architecture, including the ornate scarabs scattered throughout.

I had a chance to walk through the building last year, before the sale, with Brokerage House realtor Jenifer Scanlon and snapped some pictures of a few of the scarabs. I also had to get a few shots of the basement (see the gallery below and keep scrolling to see the residential unit above).

During our visit, I could see a few things that would need to be upgraded to make the building safe, and knowing how challenging it can be to open a business not only in Jackson but in a historical block, I hope the Cavins can see their dream come to fruition. The residents and working population of Jackson could sure use it.