We like plans being made by a handful of businesses located along North Third Street in Marquette and the Marquette Downtown Development Authority to improve the structures’ facades plus complete other work.

The three buildings are located at 927 N. Third St., Vango’s Pizza and Cocktail Lounge; 514 N. Third St., Down Wind Sports; and the southeast corner of Third and Bluff streets, which is owned by Micklow LLC and houses Synergy Fitness on the upper floor. The lower level is currently vacant. The building owned by Micklow LLC would undergo restoration of exterior brick masonry to address leaking in the building’s lower level. Work could also include installation of new storefronts and windows, removing inappropriate materials from the building’s front and refining historic details.

Down Wind Sports improvements would include a new entryway, canopy and windows on the north side of the building, as well as refacing the brick exterior and removing the mansard-type roof. Plans for Vango’s restaurant, meanwhile, include painting existing siding and trim, new parapet wall, signs, front entryway and awning, improvements to the rear entrance and a complete four-sided facade project. Plans also call for the addition of an outdoor seating area.

Overall, the work will cost about $516,000, with the businesses owners paying a little over half with the balance coming from Community Development Block Grants through the Michigan Economic Development Corp. and the Michigan Strategic Fund. The improvements are expected to allow for the creation of a total of 12 full-time, or full-time equivalent, jobs, the majority of which must be available to low or moderate income individuals.

A public forum will be held at 7 tonight prior to the Marquette City Commission’s regular meeting at city hall

It’s probably no coincidence that the businesses involved are successful and owned by smart, savvy types who seek to make improvements whenever and wherever possible. We wish them luck and look forward to seeing the finished products.