MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Marquette City Commission held a work session today to discuss the merits of a proposed housing development.
Developers of the structure at 401 West Washington Street, which has been condemned for the past two years, are asking the city for Brownfield Redevelopment Funding to build an 11-unit apartment building, with two retail spaces on the ground floor. The building was the former home of a martial arts studio and a gardening store, which was severely damaged in a 2023 storm. The city commission was unanimous in wishing to consider the project further. 9 of the 11 units will be considered affordable housing, with rents starting around $1,600 for a one-bedroom. The developers are confident that applied for grant money will come through, allowing the project to move forward.
“I think it’s going to mean a lot for this corridor the renderings of this building, look great, you know, it’s very underutilized right now, obviously, with it being condemned, but new development, stretching outwards from that core 100 block of Washington is very positive, we see redevelopment bring new development, all the time,” said Deputy City Manager, Sean Hobbins.
No dates of construction have been set, as financing for the project is still pending.