Trending
HOUGHTON -- The Houghton City Council finalized the terms of its submission for a state grant for improvements at Dee Stadium at a brief special meeting Wednesday.
The city council had authorized a match of up to $150,000 for a MI Community Center grant last week, but the total cost estimate of the project had still been up in the air.
"In the intervening time, we've gotten the estimate fleshed out from them," City Manager Eric Waara said.
The city is applying for a $2,262,800 MI Community Center Grant. Houghton is committing $125,000 in matching funds, about 5% of the estimated $2,387,800 project cost. The city's share would come through cash or in-kind labor.
Houghton pledged to make the money available in the 2024-25 fiscal year.
With the grant money, the city would build a two-story addition to the west end of Dee Stadium, which would include a new entrance and an elevator to the second floor.
The entrance would also be modeled on the one for the Amphidrome, the Dee Stadium predecessor that burned down in 1927.
Entryway renovations and the addition of an elevator have been longtime priorities in the city's master plan.
The ballroom's HVAC would also be modernized to allow for year-round use. In the rink area, a dehumidification system would help maintain ice in the winter months.
The council approved the grant application 5-0. Councilor Bob Backon was chosen to preside over the meeting with Mayor Brian Irizarry and Mayor Pro Tem Joan Suits absent.