L’ANSE — The L’Anse Area Community Development Corporation has announced the Western Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Region has been awarded state funding to advance the redevelopment of the vacant former Winkler Nursing Home site in the village of L’Anse. The award was announced by the Michigan Office of Rural Prosperity’s latest Rural Readiness Grant Program as part of more than $500,000 in statewide investments aimed at strengthening rural infrastructure, housing, and workforce growth.

The funding will support critical predevelopment activities for the Winkler site, including architectural designs, mechanical plans, cost estimates, and renderings. These materials will position the project for future development and investment, with the goal of creating a locally supported, high-demand housing development in Baraga County.

“This project is a key component of WUPPDR’s regional housing development strategy,” said Jerald Wuorenmaa, executive director of WUPPDR and L’Anse Area CDC board member. WUPPDR is a state designated planning and development region and federal economic development district covering Baraga, Gogebic, Houghton, Iron, Keweenaw, and Ontonagon counties, with a mission to foster stable and diversified economies in the Western U.P. For more information, visit www.wuppdr.org

“We are especially excited to have the opportunity to support the CDC in developing this project in Baraga County,” he said. “We have heard many residents of the area express a need for higher-quality apartments and an interest in revitalization of the Winkler Building. With the help of this grant, we will do whatever we can to smooth the path to redevelopment of the property.”

The former Winkler Nursing Home has long been identified by community leaders and residents as a key redevelopment opportunity. Transforming the vacant property into new housing will help address Baraga County’s ongoing housing needs while contributing to downtown revitalization and long-term economic stability.

The L’Anse Area CDC and WUPPDR have worked closely to align this project with regional housing priorities, community input and long-term development goals. Completion of the funded planning work will strengthen the project’s readiness for construction financing and future grant opportunities.

Bud Sargent can be reached at 906-228-2500, extension 544. His email address is bsargent@miningjournal.net.