MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – The NMU Foundation is moving forward with demolition of the former Marquette general Hospital site.
Detroit based contractor the Adamo Group has been awarded the contract for demolition. The plans to tear down the buildings behind me have been over two years in the making. The NMU Foundation has been working alongside the City of Marquette to secure a contractor to complete the demolition, which is the first part of the master plan for the site.
“Demolition will include the entire property, with the exception of the parking ramp potentially, that remains to be determined,” commented Dave Nyberg the Executive Director of Business Engagement and Economic Development at NMU.
According to Nyberg there is not an exact timeline for demolition but work on the property will begin soon. The project is split into two phases with interior property removal being completed first, to be followed by structural demolition.
Some of the buildings in the former hospital are currently occupied, including the blood bank.
“Phase 2 of that project will be the Neldburg building and the blood bank building, that won’t happen until people working in those offices are out,” remarked Nyberg.
The NMU Foundation has selected Veridea group, a Marquette based developer as its master plan partner for the nearly 20 acre site. In the coming months the foundation will work with Veridea to receive public feedback on the demolition project and the future of the site.
“Residents can ask questions, they will receive information and updates on the project timeline,” added Nyberg.
As of now there are no exact plans for what type of development will go on the site. The foundation says that currently options are being reviewed.
“Right now we’re really excited that we’re moving forward with this significant milestone which means a new future for this neighborhood in Marquette,” said Nyberg.
WZMQ spoke with residents in the area around the former hospital site, they said they wish that developers had been able find a use for the buildings, but if they are going to remain vacant they are happy to see the area be redeveloped into something new.
