The Michigan Strategic Fund has approved a $3 million performance-based grant for Hoponassu OZ, LLC to develop Shop House Park Technology and Innovation Hub, an outdoor recreation and product innovation space situated between Northern Michigan University and the Lake Superior shore in Marquette. The project will include live-work-innovate space that will foster collaboration to grow the outdoor recreation and mobility industries.
The project is intended to solidify Michigan’s leadership position in mobility by connecting the state’s mobility sector to the outdoor recreation industry, drawing companies and teams from across the globe to create, develop, test and refine new technologies and vehicles that support activities like overlanding, off-roading, and van life, along with conventional outdoor recreation activities like hiking, biking and paddling. It is also expected to capitalize on private sector funding and capital as well as state and federal grant opportunities, and is expected to consolidate and focus talent in the region.
“David Ollila is a legend in the outdoor recreation industry, and I couldn’t be more excited to see him creating a place where Michigan can leverage the authentic Upper Peninsula outdoor experience while nurturing outdoor entrepreneurs and fostering collaboration with state’s full suite of design, innovation and production expertise,” said Brad Garmon, Executive Director of the Michigan Outdoor Recreation Industry Office. “This is a critical investment in a program and a place that Michigan needs in order to grab the attention of the national outdoor recreation industry and grow opportunities for the entire state.”
The development team will be led by owner/developer David Ollila. Project advisors include the Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, InvestUP, Michigan Technological University, the city of Marquette, MICHauto, 100k Ideas, and private consultant Michael Browne.
“By aligning its natural resources and assets with this economic moment, Michigan has a chance to lead the nation and establish the U.P. and Michigan as the center of excellence in outdoor recreation and mobility innovation,” said Hoponassu OZ, LLC Owner and Developer David Ollila. This is an opportunity to drive stronger connections between our peninsulas and provide the U.P. an asset that contributes to our collective economy In a way we have not done since Ford was operating plants in the U.P.”
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