Architects, developers and builders who are planning to use mass timber for projects in the Upper Peninsula are eligible for grants through the Michigan Mass Timber Catalyst Program.
“This is still a new technology, and early adopters need support to overcome commonly faced knowledge gaps. The Michigan Mass Timber Catalyst Program awards provide funding and support to help ensure successful implementation,” said Sandra Lupien, director, MassTimber@MSU at Michigan State University.
Nine projects in the Lower Peninsula already have earned awards of $25,000 to $60,000. They range from a woodworking school to multifamily housing, mixed-use and municipal buildings.
The supplemental call for proposals for U.P. projects is open today through March 2; awards will be announced March 16.
Mass timber enables the construction of tall buildings – even skyscrapers – using wood in ways that were previously not possible. Beams and panels are made of layers of wood which are engineered to be both strong and fire-resistant. Both MSU and the DNR have invested in mass timber buildings: MSU’s STEM Teaching and Learning Facility on its East Lansing campus and the DNR’s Newberry Customer Service Center in the eastern Upper Peninsula.
If you have questions about the catalyst program and the supplemental call for proposals, contact Sandra Lupien (director, MassTimber@MSU), 510-681-3171 or lupiensa@msu.edu; or Patrick Mohney (DNR), 989-387-8189.
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