Nate Heffron, city manager, city of Negaunee

NEGAUNEE — Can a forgotten building get a second chance to live once again? In Negaunee, the answer is yes. One only has to read the many articles published in this paper to see that Negaunee is Moving Forward quickly with an abundance of investment.

The former Rookies Bar on Iron Street is a great example. A strong housing market and backlog of real estate closings caused a delay, but Ben Snapp recently took ownership of the building.

As the owner and operator of the Snapp Building Company he brings 20 years of construction experience to downtown Negaunee.

His business offers custom home building, new construction, general contracting as well as renovating and remodeling and much more.

Snapp’s company holds certifications with the National Association of Homebuilders, Home Builders Association of the Upper Peninsula, and Licensing and Regulatory Affairs of Michigan

He spent the last year working on a building in downtown Negaunee. He got to know the locals and became accustomed to the local eateries and their welcoming hospitality.

“One day I just drive around and looked at all the potential Negaunee had to offer. Then a saw a building for sale and decided to take on the challenge,” Snapp said.

Snap enjoys tackling and finding creative solutions to overcome obstacles. This comes from a passion for excellence that is obvious to those who have ever seen a project his company has completed.

He will have his hands full with this building. Snapp says he will need to get to work right away to secure the roof and repair any leaks. He hopes to begin a more intense rehabilitation project late this summer and believes this project will take up to one year to complete.

“My company already has a full slate for 2021,” Snapp said.

The full rehabilitation will include replacing the windows, upgrading the electrical and plumbing, painting, installing new heating and mechanical components, and sprucing up the storefront to add more curb appeal.

Snap intends to bring the building back into service with a leasable commercial/retail space on the first floor and residential apartments on the second floor.

Snapp doesn’t have any contracted tenants or businesses secured for any of these spaces at this time. Anyone considering commercial space for a build-to-suit location, should contact Snapp by visiting www.snappbuilding.com and contacting him via email.

Snap is excited to work with the City of Negaunee and help revitalize the downtown area. He intends to use the recently created Commercial Rehabilitation District program to help finance part of his project.

He also intends to seek assistance through Michigan Economic Development Corporation under their Community Revitalization Program.

“We are excited to contribute to Negaunee’s revitalization and help bring in small businesses, foot traffic, and visitors to the downtown area to enjoy,” Snapp said.

Snapp believes Negaunee is a desirable location with affordable buildings. He also believes the Iron Ore Heritage Trail’s proximity to downtown has attracted and will continue to attract more service-based businesses in the next few years.

“Working with the City staff has been welcoming. They are always attentive, calling you back, meeting you on-site, and helping you through complicated processes. I recognize the potential and positive changes happening in Negaunee. I want to be part of this change. I am glad to be in Negaunee and am excited to preserve this historic building” Snapp said.

Second chances can and do happen, but not everywhere. They happen where the community provides you the tools you need to get the job done. A place where the people are welcoming and want you to Move Forward with them.