Architectural historian Jessica Flores, left, Ishpeming Historical Society Representative Karen Kasper, and Ishpeming City Manager Mark Slown admire a mural on the side of a building on Main Street during a tour of Ishpeming’s downtown district in December. The council is considering whether the area should be nominated for listing on the National Registry of Historic Places at its regular meeting tonight. (Journal photo by Lisa Bowers)

ISHPEMING — The Ishpeming City Council will consider a resolution in support of a project that could land downtown on the National Register of Historic Places, which could make federal tax breaks and grant funding available to local developers.

“This project will formally recognize and obtain national recognition of the historic importance of our great community,” the resolution states.

Prior to the vote, the council will hear a presentation from certified architectural historian Jessica Flores.

Flores was hired by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation in December as part of Project Empire – an initiative launched in August 2016 by Governor Rick Snyder’s office that offered technical support to municipalities affected by the indefinite idling of the Empire Mine.

Flores is referred to in the resolution as a “highly qualified expert” who will “conduct the research necessary to obtain this designation from the National Park Service.”

The project has the support of the Ishpeming Historical Society, the Ishpeming Downtown Development Authority, and the greater Ishpeming- Negaunee Chamber of Commerce and the boundaries of the district will be subject to review by the NPS during the 12-to-18 month process, the resolution states.

A Jan. 23 letter from Flores to Ishpeming City Manager Mark Slown details and the benefits of the nomination process.

There are no strings attached to the NRHP designation or the project, Flores said, because there are no regulations tied to it.

“There is no code of enforcement and no ordinance related to this designation,” Flores said. “This is often a misnomer where community members believe this will deter from development, stifle change, or ‘progress in their downtown.'”

The benefits are both tangible and intangible, Flores said.

“Tangible benefits are financial incentives that wouldn’t be possible without designation,” Flores said. “A result of that is a more vibrant, aesthetically pleasing downtown commercial district which in turn attracts new businesses, retains existing businesses, and is a desirable place to live, work, play and visit.”

The council will also consider the first reading of revisions to an existing city ordinance prohibiting the purchase possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages by minors, as well as a first reading of a new ordinance prohibiting loud unnecessary or unusual noise disturbing the public health welfare, safety, peace and comfort.

The proposed ordinances would go into affect on March 7 with approval of first and second readings by the council.

Lisa Bowers can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 242. Her email address is lbowers@miningjournal.net.