Parcel 2, where the next stage of development at Founders Landing is planned, is pictured. (Journal photo by Corey Kelly)

MARQUETTE — Property adjacent to the Landing Condominiums along Lakeshore Boulevard in Marquette will soon be redeveloped and house a three-story chain hotel and townhomes.

The Marquette City Commission on Monday unanimously approved a development agreement for Founders Landing Joint Venture LLC, a partnership between HRS Founders Landing LLC and Marquette Opportunity LLC, allowing for the development of Parcel 2 of the Founders Landing property. Mayor Pro Tem Sarah Reynolds and Commissioner Jenna Smith were absent from the meeting.

A purchase agreement regarding the city-owned parcel, which is located near the northeast corner of Lakeshore Boulevard and South Front Street/U.S. 41, was supported by the commission in October. The action at Monday’s meeting allows the developers to close on the property, providing the city with a one-time revenue of $1.1 million for the sale — 100% of the property’s valued price.

According to the contract, developers have three years to complete the project. However, an extension could be granted at a later time if the city allows.

Barry Polzin, the architect on the project, said building the hotel, which will be a Fairfield Inn, is expected to begin as soon as possible, with the townhomes built in the fall. Polzin said the target price of the townhomes is anticipated to be between $300,000 and $350,000.

He said they’ll be “small, little townhouses,” that include garages big enough to fit at least one vehicle.

Fairfield Inn, which is franchised by Marriott International, is estimated to be a $9.5 million project, according to Mitch Irwin of Marquette Opportunity LLC. The hotel will have around 90 rooms and provide 25 to 35 jobs, depending on the season.

Although city officials said the property sale will help make up for lost tax revenue, particularly with the recent closure of the Presque Isle Power Plant, for which the city received around $1 million in property taxes last year, several area residents said they were disappointed with the city’s lack of communication with the public and lost views of Lake Superior.

“I have a little zen view of that big ole lake. I realize that you can’t give up income for the city to save a couple people’s view of the lake. Views are sellable,” said Shelley Russell of Champion Street.

Russell said she attended a city meeting when the nearby condos along Lakeshore Boulevard were first proposed. Residents were told the view from Champion Street would not be changed, she said.

“If you want to drive up on the overpass, drive up Champion Street, you will find that the street has changed more than a little,” she said.

Several people asked why depictions of the project weren’t provided and challenged the commission for having a reputation of a government body that often passes matters with little dispute.

Commissioner Jenn Hill and Mayor Fred Stonehouse said communication has been a matter the commission has struggled with.

Since planning processes are often lengthy, Hill said the commission needs to be efficient communicators throughout the time-frame.

“Since it takes years, we need to write it down and put it out to the public,” she said. “Yes, everything’s been done legally. Yes, there have been steps over time, but can we please write it down so the public can see it?”

Development near the lakeshore has always been a sore spot among residents, Commissioner Dave Campana said.

“I get it, I think everybody else gets it — it’s just one of those things we have to accept and live with. It’s going to happen, it’s unfortunate. We’d all just like the pretty view of the lake,” he said. “The east side of the road will belong to the city. You’ll always have access to the lake, always have access to the view if you drive it, walk it or bike it. That property was an old railroad yard that was purchased by the city and the plan was to develop it. We are finally coming to that point.”

Jaymie Depew can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 206.