By Journal Staff

NEGAUNEE — The Negaunee Downtown Enhancement Project is moving forward.

The city of Negaunee held a ceremony on Monday to mark the inception of the Downtown Enhancement Project, otherwise known as the Streetscape Project.

According to a Lake Superior Community Partnership press release, the project aims to revitalize the downtown area, “making substantial infrastructure improvements while also focusing on placemaking initiatives.” Approximately 75% of the project will be infrastructure enhancements to ensure a more “resilient and efficient” cityscape.

These improvements include upgrades to water and sewer mains, installation of new sidewalks, street lighting and the implementation of fiber networks.

The project’s budget is $3.4 million and received a grant award from the state of Michigan for $885,000.

“This is the biggest investment that Negaunee has seen in quite a long time and we’re very excited about it,” Negaunee City Manager Nate Heffron said in the press release. “It’s a very exciting time to be in downtown Negaunee.”

According to the press release, the project will introduce six social hubs throughout the downtown area to provide residents and visitors with attractive gathering places.

Each of the following social hubs will be designed to promote community engagement and economic development opportunities:

≤ Firefighters Square, situated near the fire hall and Breitung Park, will pay homage to the city’s firefighters from the past and present. This space will feature landscaping, interpretive signage, seating areas and a firefighter sculpture. Additionally, Firefighters Square will address safety and pedestrian connectivity concerns at the Division and Pioneer streets intersection.

≤ Irontown Plaza, reminiscent of a market plaza, will serve as the main entryway to downtown. This open space will offer landscaping, seating, cell phone charger stations, Americans with Disabilities Act access and designated areas for food trucks.

≤ Ericson Park will undergo an extensive makeover, including new landscaping, seating, ADA-compliant sidewalks, an eating area complete with a drinking fountain and bike racks.

≤ Chiri Park will become the new home for Negaunee’s Farmers Market. The park’s features will include landscaping, ADA access from the Silver Street parking lot to Iron Street, a bike shelter with an e-bike charging station, drinking fountain, food truck locations, cell phone chargers, a dual car charger, picnic tables and a public art installation.

≤ Tobin Place, situated along Tobin Street from Iron to Jackson streets, will provide a welcoming downtown gathering space, especially for those enjoying the nearby Iron Ore Heritage Trail. This space will feature landscaping, comfortable seating and convenient cell phone chargers.

≤ Rail Street Overlook will be located near The Upper Peninsula Brewing Company on the viaduct, offering views of downtown with landscaping and seating surrounding three outdoor natural gas fire pits.

For more information on the Negaunee Downtown Enhancement Project, call Heffron at 906-475-7700, ext. 11.