New projects will add vibrancy to Calumet and Manistique

Big investments in downtown Calumet and Manistique have received significant state revitalization grants to help move projects forward. 

Calumet has been awarded a $1.5 million Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) grant to redevelop two historic buildings into a new 17-bed boutique hotel and restaurant. A groundbreaking was held on Sept. 12.

“As village manager, I am proud to see the Hotel Calumet project move forward. Transforming two long-blighted properties into a boutique hotel with a restaurant and lounge below will not only welcome visitors but also create a vibrant gathering place for our residents,” said Megan Haselden, who is village manager. “With the support of the (Michigan Economic Development Corporation), this investment brings new energy to our downtown and signals the kind of revitalization that will shape Calumet’s future.” 

Manistique has been awarded a $995,000 Michigan Community Revitalization Program grant to redevelop a former funeral home into new housing units and commercial space. 

“The city of Manistique is pleased to see this project moving forward,” said City Manager Corey Barr. “It represents a strong partnership between the developers, contractor, and the (Michigan Economic Development Corporation) to bring much-needed housing with ADA accessibility to both the city and Schoolcraft County.”

What’s happening: Two redevelopment projects in the U.P. – in Calumet and Manistique – are among those in four Michigan communities receiving grants from Michigan Economic Development Corporation revitalization programs, according to state officials. The other communities are downstate. The U.P. projects will create housing and commercial space in Manistique and a new boutique hotel in Calumet.

In Calumet: Two historic buildings will be transformed into a new 17-bed boutique hotel and an upscale project, representing the largest investment in downtown Calumet in decades. The project has received a $1.5 million Revitalization and Placemaking grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). The project will create a dozen jobs, preserve Calumet’s historic character, drive tourism to the Keweenaw and support small downtown businesses. Total investment is $5.6 million.

The project developer is Rhonda Maas, who has extensive experience with historic building restorations in Denver. She recently relocated to the Keweenaw Peninsula, where she has already invested in restoring a historic home in Calumet into a short-term rental. 

“Years ago, when I would visit family in the Keweenaw, I would think – wouldn’t it be great to restore one of these beautiful old buildings?” said Maas, owner and president of Building Restoration Specialties. “When this project started, I wanted to select a neglected building in Calumet to save and rebuild. My goal was to create an anchor project that would showcase the ability to revive a neglected structure using the skills of the craftsmen of that era.” 

 In Manistique:  A $995,000 Michigan Community Revitalization Program (MCRP) grant will help create a housing hub in Manistique to meet critical housing needs. A former funeral home in Schoolcraft County will be redeveloped into five new housing units, including ADA-accessible options and three new commercial spaces. The project will help address the region’s housing shortage, retain and attract residents and strengthen the community center. The total investment is $2.2 million.

The project developers are Cathy and Mark Rohde, who have longstanding family ties to the Manistique community. They are committed to helping further develop the city’s downtown.

“I am so thankful to MEDC for the grant award to convert the old funeral home into five apartments, which will help alleviate some of the housing shortage in Manistique,” Cathy Rohde said. “Without their help and guidance, this project would not have come to fruition. I am also grateful to Victoria George at (Schoolcraft Tourism & Commerce) and Corey Barr and the city of Manistique for their help and support.”

The impact: The projects embody the “Make It in Michigan” economic development strategy: making sure smaller, rural communities have the housing, commercial space and opportunities needed to thrive. By turning underused properties into places where people can live, work, and visit, these investments create ripple effects that will benefit local economies across the U.P. for years to come, officials said.

About the programs: The RAP and MCRP programs through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation provide access to financing to support place-based projects throughout Michigan. Since its launch in 2022, the Revitalization and Placemaking program has supported 238 total projects in communities across the state.  

“Michigan Community Revitalization Program grants are available on a rolling basis, rather than through competitive rounds, which allows communities to bring forward potential projects whenever they’re ready,” said Michele Wildman, who ic chief place officer of the MEDC.  “We encourage communities to connect directly with their regional Community Development Manager to discuss opportunities.”

Jason M. Karel contributed to this story.