UP Gazette

The City of Houghton is moving forward with plans to remove the 1978 parking deck as part of the Lakeshore Drive Corridor Redevelopment Project. According to City Manager Eric Waara, the city has worked with contractor MJO and engineers on value engineering efforts to reduce project costs by modifying designs and cutting certain elements. The overall scope of the project remains unchanged.

Key aspects of the redevelopment include removing the parking deck, constructing two ground-level parking lots, installing sidewalks on both sides of Lakeshore Drive, creating two large rain gardens north of Pewabic Street, landscaping around parking lots and along sidewalks, adding street lighting, and building a pedestrian walkway and gathering area between Michigan Made and the Print Shop. This walkway will feature a gateway arch, overhead lighting, plantings, and lead to stairs down to the trail.

Waara explained that “MEDC was not able to increase their funding amount over the $1,000,000 we received under the Revitalization and Placemaking Program rules.” He added that “the Council approved the plan so the project can move forward. We are just awaiting MEDC’s concurrence with the plan to finalize the contract.”

In terms of next steps, Waara noted that in coming weeks a firm schedule from MJO is expected regarding dates and work sequences for demolition activities. Updates about changes such as parking adjustments, access closures, trash collection logistics, delivery routes, and weekly meeting times will be communicated as more details become available.

MJO’s subcontractor tasked with demolition has significant experience with post-tensioned structures like this deck. If all goes according to plan, initial work will involve removing a breezeway from the Hall Building before starting deck demolition on its east side after Memorial Day. The west side will remain open until demolition shifts there following completion on the east end.

Each half of the structure is estimated to take about three weeks for removal. Pedestrian detours will be in place along portions of the waterfront trail depending on which side is under construction; when working on the east side pedestrians will be routed toward water and onto The Pier midway through demolition while dock detours will be used during west-side work.

For adjacent property owners, pre-demolition surveys documenting building conditions are planned prior to beginning major work.

Waara also mentioned follow-up from Progressive team members who met locally in April: “they will be circling back around with their observations and recommendations. However, it might be a month or two.”

More detailed scheduling information may be released soon as plans continue to develop.