HARBOR SPRINGS, MI -- Controversy is stirring tonight around a house in Harbor Springs.

The city says it's falling apart and they're going to tear it down.

But as it turns out, the home has a history, and that might just be enough to save it.

The city says it violates the State's and Emmet County's blight codes.

But a local Native American tribe says this home is part of their history.

The exterior of a Harbor Springs home built in 1900 speaks for itself, and the city says it's time something is done.

“The violations that have been cited here are violations that it's not secure and it's unsafe.  That's the primary issue," said Harbor Springs City Manager Tom Richards.

Richards says because it's not secure and unsafe, the city has notified the owners that they need to comply with the Michigan Residential Code.  If the owner fails to do so, the city will step in.

“The city has indicated they support removing the structure and restoring the property here, and then the cost would be placed as a lien on the property, a tax lien," said Richards.

The community agrees that something needs to be done with the home, but they don't think tearing it down is the best option.  Here's why.  It's located in an area of Harbor Springs known as Indian Town.  Indian Town, they say, holds historical significant value to the Odawa Community.

"Another part of Indian Town is going to be gone," said Mary Gibson.

"A piece of my history, a piece of my life, a piece of my family's life, is being taken away," said Gary Gibson.

Gary Gibson and his mother Mary say several Odawas call this area home, and the significance of it should be noted.  He says the community was used when the Tribe tried to get federally recognized, and rather than demolish the history, it should be noted.

“I would definitely like this to be a historical village or historical spot of some sort, and you know, to try to get the funds or see what kinds of federal dollars are out there so we can get that building restored instead of just tearing it down," said Gibson.

7&4 spoke with the homeowner, who said she’s in the process of having the home tore down.