Jaymie Depew

The top level of the building that houses Harley-Davidson in downtown Munising is undergoing a complete restoration that will include three one-bedroom apartments, two of which will be reserved for low- to moderate-income households.

In fall, the Greater Munising Bay Partnership led an effort to obtain a Michigan Economic Development Corporation Rental Rehabilitation grant for the project. Kathy Reynolds, CEO of the GMBP, is the grant administrator for the project and has worked with the building owner and developer, John Madigan, and the city of Munising on the endeavor.

The city of Munising received $192,500 in funds for interior improvements needed for the top level of the building located at 102 E. Munising Ave. Grant monies will be used to reimburse the developer for a portion of the cost of the project.

“We are grateful to the MEDC for the award of a Rental Rehab Community Development Block grant for the development of three apartments in the upper level of a commercial building in the heart of Munising’s downtown district,” Reynolds said. “This will not only improve the building, but this has given us the ability to rehabilitate old units that were in disrepair. In addition, it will give low to moderate income residents the opportunity to live in the core of our downtown. It is all about partnerships and this project reflects the partnership between our office, the City and the developer, which equates to success for our downtown.”

According to the MEDC, the project is expected to generate $87,711 in private investment. The upper level of the historic building previously had two units that were in poor condition. Once the building is revitalized, tenants will get the opportunity to enjoy and afford living in the heart of the city, a block away from Lake Superior.

Before Harley-Davidson moved into the building’s lower level in 2018, it housed an antique and book store.

Editor’s note: Jaymie Depew is the communications and special project assistant for the Alger County Chamber of Commerce/Greater Munising Bay Partnership for Commerce Development, Munising Downtown Development Authority and Munising Visitors Bureau.