Community Development

Community Development reporting is made possible through underwriting support from Enbridge.

This sandstone building in downtown Ishpeming has been dormant for more than 50 years.

Placemaking grant gives three U.P. cities a facelift

Renovation projects in Marquette, Negaunee and Ishpeming will not only help spruce up buildings but add to the vitality of their downtowns. The communities are the recipients of the state's revitalization and placemaking grants.

Latest in Community Development
Demolition work has begun at the old hospital site and is expected to take about 18 months.
Private-public partnership spurs redevelopment of abandoned hospital site in Marquette

The 17-acre former Marquette General Hospital site is poised for a $166 million redevelopment project, including housing and retail and commercial space, thanks to the efforts of a public-private partnership.  

Blueprint for school funding would ensure equitable resources in special education

The MI Special Education Finance Reform Blueprint would ensure that Michigan adequately and equitably funds public special education in Michigan. 

Trees cloaked in ice on Mackinac Island.
Community foundations rally to raise money to help victims of historic ice storm

Community foundations on Mackinac Island and across Northern Michigan are raising money to help support organizations providing food, shelter and services to residents impacted by the historic ice storm.

Talent Together: Addressing teacher shortages in the U.P. and across Michigan

Talent Together, a state-funded initiative to increase the number of certified teachers across Michigan, is finding success, drawing plenty of applicants. In the U.P., many prospective teachers are enrolled in the online program available through Northern Michigan University in Marquette.

The Ruppe Building reflects Calumet's role in America's industrial growth during the copper boom.
Keweenaw Community Foundation launches fund to help preserve downtown Calumet

A new fund aims to help in the preservation of Calumet's historic district while also fostering economic growth and redevelopment. 

A rendering of the proposed renovation of the former furniture store in downtown Houghton.
Old Houghton furniture store gets a new life as apartment housing with a view

An abandoned building in downtown Houghton will be transformed into much-needed housing, creating nine apartments and commercial space. 

It’s now the Marine Trades Institute

Cedarville's boat building school has a new name: The Marine Trades Institute. The rebranding reflects the school's growth and its efforts to attract more students interested in the marine trades industry.

A stone fireplace adds to the winery's cozy charm.
From Munising to Memphis: Two U.P. brothers’ journey to winemaking in rural Michigan

Brothers Mike and Jeff Dausey have transformed a former wine shop and antique store into a flourishing winery in a rural area northeast of Metro Detroit. 

This is how to do mental health: Community outreach builds access

The staff of Michigan’s community mental health agencies aren’t sitting at their desks waiting for the phone to ring. They are out in their communities letting people know that mental health care is within reach. 

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