Board adopts Brownfield plan for downtown redevelopment at 216 West Division

Marquette County commissioners voted to adopt a Brownfield redevelopment plan for 216 West Division, clearing the way to convert an 11,525-square-foot former furniture store into seven residential units intended for workforce housing.

Jackie Solomon, identified in the meeting as the countyBrownfield director and treasurer, told the board the proposal would create seven units, some affordable at 80% of area median income and the remainder at or below 120% of AMI. "Renovating that into 7 residential units, including 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments," Solomon said during the public hearing. She described the financing as performance-based: approximately $522,000 in reimbursements spread over 24 years tied to new tax increment generated by the redevelopment and the state's expanded brownfield authority.

Developer Bryce Thurmer told the board contractors estimate an 18-month construction schedule if work begins this summer and said parking and permit needs are expected to be met. Commissioners moved to adopt the Brownfield Plan; the motion was brought forward in the meeting and approved by roll-call vote. The board directed staff to finalize related implementation documents and monitor performance-based reimbursements as tax increment is realized.

The action follows a public hearing during which Solomon and the developer answered questions about unit mix, local priority for tenants and project timeline. The plan also includes coordination with city incentives and state tools described in the hearing. The plan adoption does not itself award occupancy priorities beyond the income limits described; the board will receive future implementation details as the project advances.