ISHPEMING, Mich. (WZMQ) – Brice Sturmer, founder of Velodrome Coffee, has acquired the former home of Rollie’s Furniture at 216 Division Street in downtown Ishpeming. He plans to turn this vacant property into affordable housing, constructing six apartment units in this century-old structure.
“Many people are trying to move here and not finding great places. So yeah, the goal here and the idea is really just taking a great historic building that people have known for generations and breathing some new life into it,” said Sturmer.
Sturmer says his project is important because it will increase the housing inventory in Ishpeming while keeping the historical significance of the building.
“What does the community really want? What are they looking for? What needs truly exist? We’re not trying to build something that, you know, people don’t want. We are truly trying to find out what are the needs, and what are the opportunities. How do we line that all up and make something great?” asked Sturmer.
Ishpeming Planning and Zoning Administrator Andrew Duerfeldt says the repurposing of this site will bring much-needed housing to a downtown area with several vacant buildings.
“There are more talks now, especially because Sturmer is kind of leading the way with discussing affordable housing in this area and actually bringing up those types of, you know, accommodations, you know this price, the prices have been going up, but you know, there are solutions,” said Duerfeldt.
It is far more cost-effective to repurpose the structure rather than build new allowing for rents to be affordable and in greater reach of more residents.
“A strong need for attainable workforce housing in the area,” said Sturmer.
The next phase of the project will need approval from the planning commission and a full assessment of the structural integrity of the site.
