Marquette County Land Bank Authority

08/03/2026

It’s great seeing some of the housing redevelopment happening thanks to AV Rental Co! More units coming to downtown Gwinn, it’s great seeing this beautiful building get some life back in the mixed-use space.

07/30/2026

Exciting to see when local groups work together toward a common goal!

07/30/2026

In 2015, the City of Ishpeming DDA in coordination with the Land Bank used state blight elimination funds from MSHDA and the State Land Bank that allowed razing the structure located at 116 E Canda, the site of the former Ashton's Ole World restaurant, pictured below. Due to deferred maintenance, leaks and code violations, and lack of investment on the property the building had fallen into disrepair.

The building is located in a target area that the DDA identified as “blighted” and in need of renovation or demolition. The DDA desired to create a green space to support redevelopment activities taking place on adjacent properties. Fast forward to 2026 and this site is being spruced up and will be the site of a new RAMBA trailhead, available for all residents to use. In addition, informational signage including site maps/kiosk, lighting, bike repair stations, and benches/tables are also part of the final design. The Ishpeming DDA will continue to own the lot thanks to the partnership RAMBA brings.

This is a great example of the collaboration necessary and connecting to existing resources to improve our longstanding existing bike trails. 🚵‍♀️

Ishpeming DDA
RAMBA

07/28/2026

Re-Envisioning the Anderson Building in Ishpeming, MI.

This historic building has lived many lives - what does the future hold for this landmark in downtown Ishpeming? A story map by the Marquette County Planning Division. Check out the hisroty and full interview by clicking the link below: 👇

"[The Anderson building] is an amazing example of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture and it's a survivor, its very visible, historic, stately, and has a presence. For me that building was always an example of something so wonderful, but it just needed help.

If you take what's there, and you repair it, and you enhance it in an appropriate architectural style...it's going to work!"

- David Aeh

https://arcg.is/1uj5PL1

Special thanks to the Marquette County Planning Division, Amy Stephens and Cece Bachman for putting this wonderful story map together and the Ishpeming Area Historical Society & Museum.

This historic building has lived many lives - what does the future hold for this landmark in downtown Ishpeming?

07/24/2026

Great article describing the progress in Ishpeming and Negaunee! We love working in these two cities! 🏘️ 🌟

  Analytics tell me… or at least I’m told analytics tell me, most readers of Word on the Street live in Marquette. Not all. Most. Further, I know when I write about issues not pertaining to Marquette proper, some of those same readers show a little less interest in something not directly on the...

07/17/2026

Thank you Julia Seitz, TV6 for covering an important topic in our community. Kudos to Chelsie Wilkinson for working tirelessly to find solutions to an increasing issue with the unhoused. Working together with our local non-profits and municipalities, we can make a difference in people’s lives. 🏠 🏘️

Homelessness has increased in the U.P., but the housing stock remains low. However, community leaders are building solutions.

07/10/2026

We are excited to release the first edition of our "Housing Playbook", a resource designed to help local units of government and land banks guide communities in the development of housing and increased capacity for redevelopment. Please give this a read and share!

Link below:
https://rfs.mqtco.org/s/GRdwNYeEFbbYx2G

Thank you to all the partners assisting with housing initiatives and special thanks to the Office of Rural Prosperity for investing in rural communities throughout our state.

Community Foundation of Marquette County
Housing Now - Lake Superior Community Partnership
Invest UP
Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity - Office of Rural Prosperity
Michigan State Housing Development Authority
Marquette County Planning Division
State Land Bank Authority
Michigan Land Bank Association

07/09/2026

Progress check at the Anderson project: ✅

Thanks to B&T Buckland Masonry and Cross General Contracting for completing the rear alleyway back wall masonry. Additional windows are being installed this month by Jeff’s Glass & Window and we’re getting closer to completion of the structural stabilization.

The progress is looking great!

State Land Bank Authority
Michigan Land Bank Association
City of Ishpeming
Ishpeming DDA

07/09/2026

A beautiful home for sale in Big Bay! Contact Jennifer Cosco, Realtor at Select Realty for details 👇 🏡

Charming Brand-New Ranch-Style Home in Big Bay – 104 Schneider Avenue Welcome to your dream home! This brand new, well-constructed 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath ranch-style home offers energy efficiency and ease of living. There is a 12-month limited home warranty extended to the buyer by the builder from t...