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Council schedules twin public hearings for 1213 Ludington St. under obsolete-property rehabilitation program
Summary
Escanaba officials set public hearings for Oct. 2, 2025, to consider establishing an Obsolete Property Rehabilitation (OPRA) district for 1213 Ludington Street and the property's rehabilitation exemption application; staff said the building — the former Crispinas — meets the program's criteria and a MEDC letter of intent supports the application.
The Escanaba City Council on Sept. 18 scheduled two Oct. 2, 2025, public hearings to consider (1) establishing an Obsolete Property Rehabilitation (OPRA) district for 1213 Ludington Street and (2) acting on the rehabilitation-exemption application for the same property.
City staff explained the application applies to the former Crispinas building at 1213 Ludington Street, which the applicant intends to rehabilitate into a cocktail lounge. Staff said the project is pursuing grant support from the MEDC and that a letter of intent from the MEDC is part of the application.
Crystal Martin, the city assessor, said she inspected the property and found the interior systems and roof require substantial work. "The roof is definitely a necessity. It's definitely more than 50% obsolete, so it does qualify," Martin said.
Staff told council the program requires the city to establish the district before approving an individual exemption and that the city must submit the complete application package to the state by Oct. 31, the stated deadline. Staff noted Oct. 31 is the deadline for the current program cycle and that next year is the program’s sunset year, making this a time-sensitive filing.
Council members asked whether the city would use this district-by-district process going forward; staff said doing them together is an option and that, where properties are simple, the city would likely continue moving district creation and exemption approval on the same schedule to preserve the application timeline.
Council voted by roll call to set the hearings. The roll call recorded yes votes from Council member Duarte, Council member Flath, Council member Moore, Council member Bushoff and Mayor Allen.
Staff said additional application materials will be compiled from the applicant and the city and that staff wants a buffer to respond to any state requests for further information before the Oct. 31 submission deadline.
