MARQUETTE, MI— The NMU Foundation has issued a Request for Qualifications for prospective master developers to renovate the old MGH Hospital site.
Last month the Marquette City Commission approved a Memorandum of Understanding to work with the Foundation and the Brownfield Authority to redevelop the area. Creating a local Brownfield plan would open up funding opportunities through the Michigan Strategic Fund, which would offset costs of activities like building demolition. All entities hope to finalize the plan in May.
The RFQ submission deadline is April 8, with selection of a developer targeted for early May.
Monday night the Marquette City Commission appointed three commissioners to the hospital redevelopment sub-committee. Mayor Jenna Smith, Mayor Pro-tem Cody Mayer and Commissioner Sally Davis will be observers in the Foundation’s review of the proposals that will identify a master developer for the project. The sub-committee will serve in a consulting capacity to both the NMU Foundation and City Commission throughout the development process.
Public information sessions are being planned before the RFQ submission deadline. Foundation officials say additional community engagement opportunities will evolve after a master developer is selected.