Schuler's returns to its roots with new project

What’s happening: A historically mixed-use building in downtown Marshall is returning to its roots. Schuler’s Restaurant & Pub has been a Marshall institution since 1909, owned and operated by several generations of the Schuler family. The business was sold to current president and CEO Sue Damron in 2019. Now, Damron is making her own mark on the century-old business, reactivating the second- and third-floor apartments and hotel rooms above the restaurant, long-vacant and used for storage for decades.

What’s planned: Construction has already begun, converting the second and third floors into seven one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartment units. An elevator is also being installed. It’s expected that construction of the apartments will be completed by the end of 2022.

A second phase: Also planned is the reactivation of Schuler’s hotel business, which closed in 1971. A dedicated wing of the building is being reserved for the eventual redevelopment of five hotel rooms, a long-time dream of Larry Schuler, who still sits on the Schuler’s Restaurant Advisory Board.

Why it’s important: For the city of Marshall, the redevelopment of the Schuler’s second and third floors adds density and new housing options for the city’s downtown. And while rates have yet to be announced, Schuler’s has said that four apartment units will be reserved as affordable for low- to moderate-income residents. The redevelopment also adds a new revenue stream for the restaurant and pub.

“We know our employees are always struggling with finding affordable housing,” Damron says. “We’re not only a business, but we’re a strong community partner as well. Our staff is like family, and it is in our best interest to find ways to help them whenever possible.”

How it’s happening: Schuler’s Inc. is contributing $1.7 million in private investment to the project while the city of Marshall has approved a 12-year Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act tax abatement valued at $561,600. The project is also making use of $725,450 in Community Development Block Grant funds awarded to the city of Marshall from the Michigan Strategic Fund.

What they’re saying: “Schuler’s has been known for its hospitality since we first opened in 1909 and we are thrilled at the transformation that is taking place inside our historic building as we create much needed housing in our community,” Damron says. “These former hotel rooms, which once welcomed travelers, had become nothing more than storage for us over the past fifty years. Now, we are creating spaces for people and families to call home. The seven apartments are being designed to reflect Schuler’s brand by mixing historic and traditional elements with an updated look and feel, right in the heart of downtown Marshall.”