Back in May, just a few weeks into the season, the Detroit Tigers were one of the worst teams in baseball. And the future didn’t look bright. There was no reason to think any kind of turnaround was imminent. Or even possible.
Now? They’re on the verge of making the playoffs. Where they were in May compared to where they are now is nothing short of astounding.
I mention the Tigers because their resurgence is very much like what’s been happening in Negaunee. Just a few years ago you couldn’t walk downtown without donning a hardhat, lest you get hit in the head with a brick falling off one of the decaying buildings. And that’s not an exaggeration. Buildings were literally falling into the street. And the future didn’t look any better.
Today? Today it’s a totally different story. If there was a playoff format for such things, Negaunee would already be in.
Time to Check it Out
If you haven’t gone up the road to Negaunee in the last couple of years, you need to make the trip. How you may remember it, compared to what you’ll see today, are two totally different things. New businesses popping up combined with the recent Downtown Enhancement Project have generated a level of pride in the venerable old mining town which hasn’t been seen for years, if not decades.
Jon Becker, co-owner of Love and Bicycles, one of those new businesses, says what many others would likely agree with. “We’re proud to be part of the revitalization of our town! This is the result of years of work on behalf of city staff, the planning commission (which I chair), the City Council (on which I serve) and the vision of our city manager, Nate Heffron, to leverage public dollars to maximize federal and state grants.”
I’m going to suggest the revival started about 10 years ago with the opening of Jackson’s Pit, the Iron Street pub owned by Mike and Ivy Ridenour that offered something different from what Negaunee residents were used to. It was both hip and kitschy, with a vibe hinting at the possibilities of what downtown could become.
Though the turnaround wasn’t immediate, it was steady. New businesses followed Jackson’s Pit, with owners just as interested in the city’s success as their own. People like Scott Soeltner. Soeltner previously sold cars, but he must have seen what was coming. He bought one of the dusty downtown drinking holes and turned it into Smarty’s Saloon, named with a nod to his Smart Car nickname. He’s since added a regular offering of local music to go along with an outdoor seating area. And though the idea of Scott in a pleated skirt is truly frightening, he’s one of Negaunee’s most vocal cheerleaders.
Jumping on the craft brewery bandwagon, Jim and Ann Kantola opened the Upper Peninsula Brewing Company in what used to be a furniture store. Just off the county-wide bike path, this two-level gathering spot has quickly become a popular destination for a singular pint or a meeting of the minds. If you thought a craft brewery would struggle to find its footing in blue-collar Negaunee, you’d be wrong. Okay… maybe that was me.
Coming Home
Taking it one step further is Negaunee native Rachael Grossman. With experience owning a specialty restaurant in Portland, Oregon, Grossman bought the former Chapper’s Bar and turned it into Strega Nonna, offering something totally different than what the traditional meat and potato folks were used to.
“I wanted to be a part of my hometown revitalization that was happening, to help with placemaking here in Negaunee,” says Grossman. “I was hungry for it here, so I just assumed others were also hungry for good food, and for a gathering place with good cocktails and art and music and vibrant colors on the west end. I hope more and more people buy up the unused buildings and start more biz. More places to eat, drink, gather, etc… More reason for people to visit my hometown.”
Yes, there are still unused buildings here and there along the main drag. But maybe not for long. Two side-by-side empty storefronts are currently being renovated even though new tenants are yet to be identified. Apparently the owners are banking on a continued resurgence and want to be ready for the next big idea.
Other businesses establishing a regular clientele include the Midtown Bakery & Café, Campfire Coffee, and the new Slap Shot Sandwich Shop. And though its exterior is a little imposing, the Negaunee City Center indoor mall features a number of small operations bringing more people downtown.
Almost Down, but Not Out
When the Vista Theater roof caved in a few winters ago, more than a few people feared that would mean the end of that historic structure. Fortunately, the city was able to acquire the structure and take advantage of various grants and state resources and begin reconstruction. The roof is up and work will continue until the Vista once again becomes a centerpiece in downtown’s revival.
Of course, we have to acknowledge that much of Negaunee’s livelihood still comes from mining, and as we know, that’s out of our control. According to a mining industry source, “Mining and steelmaking is a cyclical business, so anything can happen depending on economic conditions, but I don’t see anything in the near future that is too much of a worry.”
Drive through the neighborhoods and you’ll see houses being restored and renovated, as residents recognize their potential value as Negaunee’s profile continues to improve. And just like Marquette, home buyers are finding a very competitive market. Who’d a thunk it?
Giving Due
A lot of credit goes to the aforementioned business owners who put their 401k’s on the line betting that Negaunee’s best days were yet to come. But if you’re patting backs, make sure you include Nate Heffron. Heffron took over as City Manager in 2018, and though that job usually lends itself to blame and criticism, the results of Heffron’s work has protected him from much of both.
See You There!
Okay… I suggested you need to visit Negaunee. Well, you can start tonight when local favorite Flat Broke Blues Band plays at Smarty’s from 4 to 7, or you can take it all in tomorrow at Negaunee’s inaugural Fall Fest, downtown from noon to 5. The new streetscape will be celebrated with a Grand Reveal at 3, while Wednesday at 2, the city will hold a Grand Opening of the rejuvenated Jackson Mine Park, at the end of Iron Street.
Don’t get me wrong. There’s still work to be done… vacancies to be filled, and a coat of paint here and there. But the new streetscape, along with the different parks and green areas dotting the downtown, give the place an air of warmth and sociability. No, you won’t mistake it for Door County. But you’ll definitely be impressed with what you see.
I’ll be keeping an eye on the Tigers, but I’ll be going to Negaunee!