Radio stations restore historic building to broadcast from downtown Port Huron

Work progresses at the site of Power 88.3 FM and 90.7 Hope FM's new home in downtown Port Huron.
Two local radio stations are making their way out of the basement and into the heart of downtown Port Huron.

Local non-profit organization Wonderful News Radio has moved their two radio stations Power 88.3 FM and 90.7 Hope FM Passers-by will be able to see what's happening at the radio stations. from the basement of the church from where they got their start 35 years ago and into a historic building in downtown Port Huron.

It’s a big change for the radio stations, which used to broadcast from the basement of Ross Bible Church. Now passers-by can
get a good look at the DJs through a picture glass window in the L-shaped building at the intersection of Military and Water streets.

Power 88.3 FM plays a mix of rock, pop, and hip hop while 90.7 Hope FM plays adult contemporary, modern, and pop worship music. The latter also broadcasts talk shows as well as a locally-produced morning show.

"We’ve always been very involved in the community, hosting events at McMorran and concerts in the city," says Brian Smith, station director for Power 88.3 FM.

"For us the exciting part is being in the middle of all that. And with the resurgence of businesses downtown, it’s exciting to be part of that."

The organization purchased the building in January of this year and renovations started in full by March. Now the build-out is almost complete. With the engineers putting the final broadcasting equipment into place, the radio stations should start broadcasting from their new downtown digs any week now.

Rooms and office space are taking shape at the site of Power 88.3 FM and 90.7 Hope FM's new home in downtown Port Huron.Smith says that the building has been vacant for several years. The roof has been fixed. The original hardwood floors have been re-coated. And the tin ceilings and interior brick walls have been better exposed.

"We’re combining the historical with modern radio needs. We have the studio in the front windows and the main floor will be open to the public," Smith says.

"This will help us serve the community better, and right downtown."

Got a development news story to share? Email MJ Galbraith here or send him a tweet @mikegalbraith.