A long-abandoned orphanage has been adapted into affordable housing in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
The new Grandview Marquette Apartments provides 56 apartments for residents earning no more than 60% of the area median income. Committed to reaching some of the area’s most vulnerable residents, the project designates 14 units as permanent supportive housing for people who have been homeless or have a disability.
In addition to helping meet the community’s housing needs, the development revitalizes the last major blighted site in downtown Marquette, says Rick Ballard, a consultant to developer Home Renewal Systems (HRS).
“If we hadn’t undertaken this project, I’m not sure that it would be possible to do it a few years down the road. The building was sound, but it was returning to the geology as we were looking at it. It was a very tough but satisfying project.”
The century-old Holy Family Orphanage had been empty and neglected for more than 35 years. While earlier attempts to redevelop the property failed, HRS leaders, with local partner Community Action Alger-Marquette, saw the potential to restore the historic building—a treasured community landmark—into affordable housing.
After removing 2,100 tons of hazardous waste and debris, the team rebuilt structural elements where needed. Developers worked to preserve the historic and design elements that remained, including terrazzo floors, brick walls, and a prominent multistory sandstone front porch. The building’s chapel was restored for use by residents as community space.
All the mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems have been replaced, and the building meets the Enterprise Green Communities criteria for green and energy-efficient substantial rehabilitation projects.
The approximately $16.2 million project was financed with about $12.8 million in low-income housing tax credit equity and $2.5 million in federal historic tax credit equity.
