SMARTZONE PIONEER JEFF Nyquist, the founder of NeuroTrainer in downtown Marquette, is moving to San Francisco.
It just makes sense for him, he says. Access to capital, strategic partners, and technical support is far greater on the West Coast than it is here in Marquette. He readily admits he and his wife have invested virtually all their life savings into NeuroTrainer, and they don’t want to lose it.
The Brain Gym that his company set up on Washington Street will remain in operation for now, run by staffers who will stay behind.
NeuroTrainer has developed virtual reality software that’s designed to help athletes improve their performance and avoid concussions, help train police and the military, and aid others with chronic pain, sleeplessness and stress.
Nyquist would have preferred remaining here in the U.P. but after several months, reality set in. Major success was not going to happen in Marquette.
His goal is to make NeuroTrainer a billion dollar business.
Smartzone CEO Ray Johnson is disappointed with Nyquist’s move but doesn’t disagree with him. The West Coast at this point offers a greater opportunity for success.
Marquette’s Smartzone, Johnson says, will take 10-20 years to develop, and it will happen organically, with help from NMU and Michigan Tech–likely in life sciences and medical devices, along with manufactured products. Those are the strengths of the UP and NMU.
A promising sign for Nyquist as he searches for an apartment in San Francisco? Just a few days ago, he learned that the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia sampled his NeuroTrainer software with goggles. He liked it and is now considering buying it for Saudi Arabia’s soccer team.
Could be the first big step toward a billion dollar business.
SO WHAT DO you do if your real estate property has been on the market for a few years and hasn’t sold?
Well, obviously, you…increase the asking price.
That’s what’s happened with Upfront, one of Marquette’s premium properties up for sale. The price had been $3.9 million. Now it’s $4.6 million.
This, according to the listing realtor, Dan Keller.
And why? Well, for one, the owner Rhys Mussman, has far more than $4.6 invested in the property, and two…Mussman wanted to raise the asking price.
So.
The Upfront’s restaurant, bar and banquet room–some of the best facilities in town–remain vacant while, fortunately, the rest of the building is occupied with paying tenants.
A positive sign in all this? Keller says a potential buyer toured the building just a few days ago. So there is interest, maybe at $4.6 million, or $3.9 or…who knows?
Meantime, all remains quiet and dark at what was once one of Marquette’s liveliest night spots.
IT’S ONE OF Marquette’s hidden treasures.
Those are the words of a Marquette realtor describing the neighborhood along South Lake Street across from South Beach.
If you’ve happened by there on your bike or in your car in recent months, you’ve probably noticed handsome homes being built on the few remaining empty lots, other homes being remodeled, and still others up for sale–some being snapped up quickly.
The neighborhood certainly has a lot going for it: the beach is right across the street, and downtown is a mere three minute drive or a ten minute walk away.
But of course, it’s got one giant, looming negative: the power plant at the north end of the block.
Can’t have everything. Heck, just look the other way.
The price range, by the way, is enormous–anywhere from $200,000 for a mini-bungalow to $750,000 for an executive home.
Either way, you’re just a short walk away from that thriving nightspot….the…uhh… Upfr–oh wait….Never mind.
You got news? Email briancabell@gmail.com