ESCANABA — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced a revitalization project in support from the Build MI Community Grant initiative, meant to activate vacant spaces and create housing in Escanaba. It was one of three announced in the state.
Spaulding Real Estate, LLC plans to activate vacant space above Cat-Man-Do’s, an established business at 1223 Ludington St. in downtown Escanaba to create three new one-bedroom apartments. The project will help increase housing in Escanaba’s downtown area with mid-market rental units and support local businesses through increased workforce housing and residential foot traffic.
The project will create a total anticipated capital investment of $496,411, thanks in part to support from the MEDC through $248,206 in Build MI Community grant funds.
"This is a fantastic project for the downtown, bringing housing close to community businesses and night life,” said Craig Woerpel, executive director of the Escanaba Downtown Development Authority. “Cat-Man-Do's offers great food at an iconic bar with outdoor seating and street activities like Muscle on Main car show and Wheelin' Sportsmen fundraiser. Adding housing makes Curt Spaulding a leader in helping to revitalize the downtown. It is great to see the MEDC support this project."
The City of Escanaba has historically seen a high number of vacant spaces on the second floor of properties due to high construction costs and expenses required for major renovations to historic buildings. This project will serve as a catalyst for similar redevelopment opportunities in Downtown Escanaba.
“Lack of housing continues to be the leading deterrent for many of our critical economic development opportunities,” said Ed Legault, executive director of the Delta County Economic Development Alliance. “The MEDC’s support of a project to create three market rate apartments in Downtown Escanaba shows their commitment to help solve the housing issues in our area. The Cat-Man-Do’s project will help other developers move forward with similar opportunities.”
