The former Northern Hydroponics business in Marquette is pictured. (Courtesy photo)

MARQUETTE — The city of Marquette’s Brownfield Redevelopment Authority discussed a proposed project at 401 W. Washington St. on Wednesday evening.

The proposed building, the former Northern Hydroponics business, has been condemned for the past few years, after being damaged by a storm in 2023. If the project is approved to move forward, a developer will build nine new housing units in a three-story building on the site, with the rent priced for people making 100%-120% of the area’s median income, leaving one-bedroom units starting around $1,600 per month.

In addition to the nine attainable housing units, the building would have two commercial units, an underground parking garage and two residential units that wouldn’t qualify as attainable housing.

The board approved a Brownfield plan for the project and they will loan the developer around $1.1 million and will be reimbursed for the project through captured tax increases over 20 years.

According to the board, projects like this one likely couldn’t be built in Marquette without tax increment financing.

The next steps require the Marquette City Commission to schedule a public hearing to discuss the plan. Financing for the project is still pending.

Abby LaForest can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 548. Her email address is alaforest@miningjournal.net.