MARQUETTE, MI— The Marquette City Commission approved plans Monday night for construction of the Shophouse Park near the Kaufman Sports Complex.
Estimated to cost $8-$10 million, the mixed-use development will feature an outdoor recreation and product innovation space. Officials say it aims to make Marquette an entrepreneurship destination in the state and create new economic opportunities.
Marquette Mayor Cody Mayer said he’s excited about the prospect.
“This is truly a very unique opportunity for us to finally look at a more diversified economy for Marquette, using the natural resources that we have and rely on for our tourist industry and instead making it more of [an] innovation and recreational focus. And that’s a huge opportunity for Marquette, the entire Upper Peninsula as an economic region, and the state of Michigan.”
The Shophouse project received $3 million from the Michigan Strategic Fund.
Developer Dave Ollila said the park will include 14 work and residency spaces, areas for food service, and an events space.
Ollila said he’s looking to construct the southern side of the property as quickly as possible.
