THIS IS A COMMENTARY FROM INVEST U.P.
The downtown streets of villages, cities, and towns across the Upper Peninsula bustle with activity. Art galleries, craft breweries, unique boutiques, distinctive restaurants — all can be found in the walkable downtown districts of the U.P. As more people are simultaneously drawn to both smaller towns and downtown living, Main Streets across the region are alive with transformational projects that are addressing housing demands, creating new jobs, and supporting area entrepreneurs.
From Houghton to Sault St. Marie, a number of downtown projects are planned or currently underway. These projects, championed by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), are changing the face of downtown communities across the U.P. They encompass a number of elements that attract young professionals in particular, such as walkability and trail systems, green space and gathering places, a sense of community, and access to restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues.
“This infusion of energy and investment in our region’s downtown districts has come at a perfect time,” said InvestUP CEO Marty Fittante. “After a challenging couple of years for small businesses and entrepreneurs, our towns and cities are bouncing back in a big way. Although there have been some pandemic-related delays, these projects hold great promise for the region.”
In Houghton, the Pier Placemaking Project will transform an underused waterfront into a dynamic, year-round community space featuring downtown recreational and gathering places. Expanded public spaces, reconstructed parking, and improved access to a waterfront trail system will capitalize on the scenic views of the Portage Canal Waterway and bridge. A new pier that can accommodate Great Lakes cruise ships will allow visitors to disembark in the heart of downtown Houghton. The project is expected to be completed in the summer of 2022.
As more people discover the ease and convenience of downtown living, projects in Iron Mountain, Houghton, and Munising are meeting the increasing need for more housing. In Iron Mountain, developers are converting the second floor of a historic mixed-use building — the former town fire hall — into seven residential apartments. Houghton is activating new residential space in two historic, mixed-use buildings on Shelden Avenue in the heart of downtown. In Munising, interior improvements are planned for an existing historic building that is currently vacant and uninhabitable. Hancock, Marquette, and Calumet are also working toward the approval of residential projects with the MEDC.
In December, three UP cities — Marquette, Sault Ste. Marie, and Houghton —received Match on Main grants that help strengthen downtowns and build resilience. The communities in turn awarded grants to local businesses which may use Match on Main grants for a wide array of projects, including building renovations, outdoor spaces, pandemic recovery efforts, and marketing needs. December 2021 grant winners include Good Times Music (Houghton), Co-Ed Flowers and Gifts (Sault Ste. Marie), Ore Dock Brewing Company (Marquette), and Superior Culture (Marquette).
Upper Peninsula downtowns are full of exquisite historic architecture, from movie theaters and churches to railroad depots, schools, and government buildings. Downtown Ishpeming and Negaunee were recently added to the National Register of Historic Places, the United States federal government’s official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation. Not only does the designation protect the beautiful architecture, it also entices developers and growing numbers of visitors who are interested in heritage tourism.
“The Upper Peninsula is so well known for our tremendous natural beauty, that people new to the area are often pleasantly surprised by the vibrancy of our downtown districts,” notes Fittante. “You can bike to work, grab a fantastic dinner, find that perfect gift, and still be minutes away from one of the most beautiful natural playgrounds in the country. It’s pretty hard to beat.”
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