UP Gazette

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer emphasized on Aug. 21 that revitalization projects, such as the substantial development in Marquette, are vital for the state's future, underlining the necessity for ongoing investments in people, projects and locations. 

"Revitalization projects like this one in Marquette — the largest community development in Upper Peninsula history! — are so important to the future of our state," Whitmer tweeted. "Let's keep investing in our people, projects and places. "

Progressing the redevelopment strategy for the former Marquette hospital site, a new milestone was achieved as Whitmer participated in a ceremony underscoring the significance of the forthcoming revitalization efforts. The demolition endeavor secured $8 million in funding from the previous state budget, according to a Fox report.

“We have got to be prepared for population growth and we have got to keep young Yoopers here and draw other great talent into the Upper Peninsula,” Whitmer said, according to the report. “So, all of these are important pieces of it. This is another way that we invest in communities, so people have a high quality of life in this incredible place that we call home.”

David Nyberg, NMU Foundation's executive director of business engagement and economic development, outlined the demolition process occurring in two stages. Phase one, currently underway, encompasses structures south of College Avenue, excluding the Blood Bank building. Phase two, slated for the following year after UP Health System - Marquette vacates the premises, will involve the Neldberg Building and Blood Bank building. The goal is to have most phase one buildings demolished by the end of 2023.

A collaborative effort, spearheaded by the NMU Foundation, has resulted in a public-private partnership named "Renew College Avenue." This initiative aims to synergize resources and visions to initiate a mixed-use development on College Avenue, specifically at the former Marquette General Hospital Site. Situated between Fourth and Seventh Streets in Marquette and adjacent to Northern Michigan University, the site covers 23 acres and encompasses vacant buildings. The relocation of previous medical facilities to the new UP Health System - Marquette hospital campus on Baraga Street has paved the way for this redevelopment endeavor.

“The demolition of the former hospital site is a significant step toward the goal of redevelopment and neighborhood revitalization,” said Karen Kovacs, Marquette city manager, The Daily News reported.

Currently in progress, Phase 1 of the demolition initiative is being undertaken by Adamo Group. They have established on-site fencing, initiated pre-demolition waste removal and asbestos abatement, primarily focused on the southwest section of the former hospital campus. Structural demolition above ground is anticipated to commence later this month. Funding for Phase 1 is derived from a Community Development Block Grant granted to the city through the Michigan Strategic Fund, officially confirmed on April 25. For Phase 2, the NMU Foundation received a blight elimination grant from the State Land Bank Authority, supported by an allocation within the 2022-23 state budget, which was officially settled on Jan. 11.