ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – Delta County is taking steps to repurpose a vacant building near Escanaba’s downtown.
The County Land Bank Authority is applying for a state blight elimination grant. If granted, the funds would be used to demolish the former Delta County Jail.
After the demolition, current property owner Jarred Drown–who also owns the Terrace Bay Hotel in Gladstone–plans to establish a new Hampton waterfront hotel.
“It’s the only spot on Lake Michigan that’s zoned for a hotel right in town,” he said. “There’s not any hotels currently that are operational right downtown, so it’s a really great location for a hotel in Escanaba.”
According to County Treasurer Sherry Godfrey, a $200,000 grant is guaranteed to Delta County if the application is submitted by May 31. She also says the Terrace and Land Bank Authority are the only group in the county applying for the funding, so they hope to receive the full amount.
“It’s going to be great to get the jail torn down and get something more touristy put in its place so we can have an area that brings people in and shows off our lakefront area,” said Godfrey.
There is not yet a timeline for when the blight elimination grant will be awarded.
