The Lake Superior Community Partnership (LSCP) recently assisted Smarty’s Saloon with a ribbon cutting to show-off their new façade in downtown Negaunee.
Smarty’s Saloon worked closely with the City of Negaunee to apply for funding for exterior improvements through the Community Development Block Grant program accessible through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). They provided a match to these funds and leveraged their private investment and the traditional downtown design in their plans to restore the building and increase visibility. This redevelopment will be a significant asset to downtown economic activity, and will definitely improve the pedestrian and customer experience.
Early on in the process, the Central Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Regional Commission (CUPPAD) assisted the City of Negaunee with drafting and submitting the application for Smarty’s façade grant funding through the CDBG program. Following the award, CUPPAD was contracted to be the City’s grant administrator, which entailed activities like assisting the City on compliance with Federal regulations, submitting payments and reports to the MEDC, and coordinating payment requests with contractors and architects.
Smarty’s Saloon is a pub located at 212 Iron Street in Negaunee. They are open seven days a week from 12 p.m. – 2:00 a.m. For more information you can follow them on Facebook or call 906.401.0438.
Pictured from left to right: Ryan Soucy, CUPPAD, David Nelson, City of Negaunee, Nate Heffron, Negaunee City Manager, Scott Soeltner, Owner, Jen Tucker, MEDC, Paul Wolfson, Marquette County Ambassador and Brooke Quinn, LSCP Business Development Representative.
