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From Waterworks to Wealth Management: The Revival of 102 East Exchange Street
By: Amy West
At first glance, the brick building at 102 East Exchange Street might seem like just another piece of Spring Lake’s landscape. But step inside, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by more than just office walls—you’ll see history carefully preserved, a story of transformation, and a legacy brought back to life.
Over a century ago, this building had a very different purpose. Built between 1905 and 1915, it was once the beating heart of the village’s water system, housing the town’s water treatment facility. A towering water tank once stood on the property, ensuring that Spring Lake residents had access to clean water. Over time, as technology advanced, the need for this facility faded, and the building’s role in the village quietly came to an end.
Fast forward to the early 2000s. The Village of Spring Lake was determined to preserve this historic structure rather than see it lost to time. They needed someone who could restore it with care and craftsmanship, someone who understood its significance.
That person was Alan (Tony) Oosting. A lifelong Spring Lake resident and a skilled mason, Oosting was approached by the village with an opportunity: purchase the building, transform it into office space, and maintain its historical integrity. No one else stepped forward, and Oosting became the building’s sole bidder and caretaker, taking on the responsibility of bringing it back to life.
With a deep passion for preservation, Oosting began restoring the building, carefully reinforcing its structure and reviving its original brickwork. Progress moved forward in stages, but as the demands of work and life took priority, the project gradually slowed. After years of intermittent work, renovations came to a halt, leaving the building’s future uncertain for nearly a decade.
That’s when his daughter, Jennifer Boodt, stepped in. Having long admired the building’s history, she saw not just a structure in need of restoration but an opportunity to honor its legacy. As she and her business partner prepared to launch their firm, Exchange Street Capital, the idea of making the space their home felt like a natural fit—breathing new life into the building while preserving its character. With renewed energy and a deep respect for her father’s vision, Jennifer worked alongside him to finally complete the long-awaited transformation.
With much of the exterior restoration already complete, the final phase of renovations unfolded over the next two years, transforming the interior into a functional space while preserving the building’s historic charm. Though the inside was modernized for its new purpose, the character and integrity of the exterior remained intact.
When the Spring Lake Historic Conservation Commission toured the completed space late last year, they were met with a special surprise—historic photographs adorning the office walls, paying tribute to the building’s past. The images provide a visual journey through time, offering a glimpse into the structure’s former life as a waterworks facility and preserving the memory of its original purpose.
On February 24, 2025, the Spring Lake Historic Conservation Commission gathered to celebrate the preservation of five historic buildings in the village—each with its own story to tell. Among them was 102 Exchange Street—once a provider of water to the town, now a symbol of transformation. In recognition of its restoration and enduring significance, a historic plaque was awarded to Alan Oosting, with his daughter Jennifer accepting the honor on his behalf. Their efforts, spanning decades, had not only saved a piece of Spring Lake’s history but had given it a new purpose. Today, the plaque stands as a lasting tribute, honoring both the Waterworks Building and those who worked to preserve it, ensuring its story endures for generations.
Uncover the Stories of Spring Lake’s Past!
Behind every building, every brick, and every street in Spring Lake lies a story waiting to be told. From forgotten landmarks to beautifully restored treasures, our village’s history is woven into the places we pass by every day. If you’re curious about the past and passionate about preserving it, join us at the Spring Lake Historic Conservation Commission’s meeting, which is typically the 4th Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m. Together, we can keep these stories alive and ensure that Spring Lake’s past remains part of its future
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