What’s happening: A long-vacant and blighted two-story building in downtown Rogers City is set to be vacant and blighted no more. Emily Gajewski plans to renovate and redevelop the building as a mixed-use site with four residential units along with new commercial space for the area’s only local pharmacy.
What’s planned: Grajewski’s Emily Ree, LLC, will renovate and redevelop the building, which is expected to result in a $1,845,000 investment in the community. The 6,312 sq. ft. building will include four residential units, two on the second floor and two on the first, with a commercial storefront activated to include space for a fully functioning, locally-owned pharmacy, vaccination and waiting areas, retail, and a gift shop.
Why it’s important: “This pharmacy project is another great example of how strategic investment can breathe new life into our downtown while addressing critical community needs. Transforming this vacant property into a vibrant mixed-use space will expand community access to essential services as well as creating much needed housing opportunities,” says Rogers City Mayor Scott McLennan. “This development reflects our ongoing commitment to revitalizing Rogers City, supporting businesses and enhancing the quality of life for our residents. We are grateful for support from the Michigan Strategic Fund and for all partners who have helped to make this project possible.”
How they’re doing it: The project is being supported by various Michigan agencies, including a $739,000
RAP grant and an $86,803 Act 381 Work Plan requested by the Rogers City Brownfield Redevelopment Authority. The Presque Isle Land Bank Blight Elimination Program also supports the project through a $66,000 grant and the 12-year Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act, which is estimated to be valued at $98,797.
What they’re saying: “We are honored and excited to be working with the State and local government to invest in the redevelopment of downtown Rogers City. It is exciting to offer the community additional housing which is needed at this time as well as commercial space to be utilized to better serve this area's needs,” says Gajewski. “We hope the addition of this revitalized space to the downtown is something that our entire community can take pride in.”
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