Oddfellows will bring 16 new jobs in the service industry to Iron Mountain. Taylor Andrews
What's happening: Downtown Iron Mountain will receive a face lift with a new building renovation project, funded in part by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). The project is expected to generate $832,847 in capital investment and create 16 jobs.
What it is: Menominee Range Investments, LLC and Barossa, LLC of Iron Mountain will substantially renovate a single-story building on Stephenson Avenue in downtown Iron Mountain. Formerly the home of the ADvertiser shopper advert, the building is vacant. When completed, it will hold Oddfellows Drinkery, a startup restaurant and wine bar on a 4,200-square-foot floor plan.
What they're saying: “We are excited to see this new project add to our existing restaurant culture in downtown Iron Mountain,” said Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance Executive Director Lois Ellis. “We appreciate the significant investment that Menominee Range Investments and the MEDC are making, which is creating additional interest and business activity that benefits the whole area.”
Strengthening the workforce: The project is expected to help retain workers in the Iron Mountain-Kingsford-Niagra, Wis., area with increased activity in the downtown area. Numerous larger employers have stressed the need of having more active communities to help attract and retain talent. The 16 new jobs at the restaurant will provide full- and part-time employment opportunities for those working in the service industry.
How it's funded: The project is supported by a $334,798 Michigan Community Revitalization Program grant.
“Today’s projects will help us make our communities more attractive places to live, work and play by transforming underutilized properties into productive spaces. They demonstrate our continued focus on supporting projects that bring vibrancy to communities in the Upper Peninsula and every region of Michigan to build a foundation for long-term economic opportunity. Let’s keep getting it done,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said of the project.
The city of Iron Mountain is also throwing in a $5,000 performance-based facade grant as part of the MEDC’s Redevelopment Ready Communities program.
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