Back in 1928, when the Salvation Army first laid the cornerstone of the building that would later become known as the Citadel, they inscribed it with a powerful message: “to the glory of God and the good of humanity”. With its architectural style reminiscent of St. James’ Palace in London, where the Queen Mother once resided, the building stood tall, as a symbol of hope and purpose. A purpose that was expanded in 1954, with the addition of a gymnasium, whose cornerstone reads “Dedicated to the youth”.

Despite its great purpose, the building faced it’s own trials when it was abandoned in the 1970s, where it waited silently until speculators bought it for $1 in 1991. The property sat deteriorating, until Eileen Cropley arrived with her vision of a new chapter for the building - a dance center that would breathe life back into its walls, giving it purpose once more. Renovations began in 1998, creating two magnificent studios that would become the home of the Citadel Dance Center.

During the renovations, classes and workshops were held in the Salvation Army space on Michigan Street, where a parallel story was unfolding as Director of Arts & Education, Susan Dietrich-Reed, was leading a flourishing music program.

In a serendipitous encounter in June 2008, Susan Dietrich-Reed crossed paths with Ken Ankli, owner of the Brammall Supply Company building on Water street, where they discussed the need for a new, larger space for the well-established and growing music program. Ankli welcomed the idea of renovating part of the building (formerly the Hill Ice Cream Co.) into a vibrant new space for the music program.

With their proximity in the burgeoning Benton Harbor Arts District, and their shared passion for Arts education, the Citadel Dance Center and music program found themselves walking the same path. That summer, Dietrich-Reed approached the Citadel board of directors with a proposal to merge the blossoming music program with the Citadel Dance Center. The board unanimously approved the proposal, and the Citadel Dance & Music Center was born.

Today, as we stand on the cusp of a new era for the Citadel, we invite you to join us in preserving its legacy and shaping its future. Together we can write the next chapter of this storied building-- one filled with vision and purpose.