THE BUILDING SEEN ABOVE is still for sale. Still available to someone with the resources to cover the cost, and the business savvy to make it sustainable.
The building, you’ll recall, is the building which housed the former Upfront & Company. For many of us, it’s always been known as the Rosewood Building, since it was once the home of the Rosewood Bar. As it turns out, the building across the street, now part of the Ore Dock complex, is actually the Rosewood Building.
A recent development brought the building back into the news. Rhys Mussman, owner of the building as well as owner of the Northwest Indiana Telephone Company, passed away. I don’t know if that will change the disposition of the building’s status, but a change at the top could trigger a new approach.
Regardless, the Upfront building… that’s what we’re calling it now, is still for sale. Recently, the word on the street was that Mark Curran, owner of Curran & Company, was going to make it part of his ever-growing empire.
Naturally, it was exciting to hear of a possible purchase. As we’ve noted here often, it’s a crime the Upfront portion of the facility remains closed.
The idea of the rebirth of one of the area’s coolest venues always gets my attention.
Alas… it is not to be. Curran did in fact look at the building and considered its possibilities. There are a number of offices on the upper floors as well as retail storefronts on Front Street that are part of the package. So it’s not just the bar and restaurant. After considering all the financial implications, Curran gave it a hard pass. Not gonna happen.
I’ve heard the names of other potential buyers being floated… like Eric Jorgensen, owner of Marquette Mountain. And the Digneit brothers, of DIGS pub and Double Trouble fame. It’s kind of fun to throw names out there, even if it’s the first they’re hearing of it!
Speaking of Curran
As I said, I was excited to hear Curran might be the one to finally step up and bring the Upfront, or whatever it would be called, back to life.
I reached out to Mark and after he told me any deal for that building was off the table, he was more than happy to tell me what’s happening with his other properties, specifically his new campground, Raging River.
A mile and a half past Curran’s Rippling River Resort on M-553, Raging River, continues to expand its offerings. With one informal event site already in place, Curran saw the need for something even better. “We’ve had so many people that want to have events out at Raging River. We decided to make a dedicated space. This is tucked away and it’s a little spot and when it’s finished, it’ll be absolutely fantastic for anyone that wants an outdoor experience!”
Curran is also behind whatever it is that’s happening at the old train depot on South Fifth, just off Washington. There’s work going on there, but I couldn’t get Mark to divulge his plans.
Though a couple different parties have previously threatened some kind of development of that place, I believe Curran is the first to put actual bucks into it.
Curran and Other Company
Mark also let me know he has thrown his hat in the ring to run for City Commission. He cited a number of boards and committees he’s served on, and with all his properties, mostly residential, he has a lot of experience with city processes.
I’m not his campaign chairperson, but I’ll let him share an early pitch here. “As far as running for commission, I’ve always considered it my civic duty to give back. And with my wide business background, I feel I have a wealth of knowledge to bring to the city commission.”
He also says… “I have a great love for the outdoors and want to protect our trails and natural beauty.”
The slate of commission hopefuls for the November election features some interesting alternatives. Three seats are open and these seven names will be on the ballot:
- Margaret Brumm
- Kevin Clegg
- Mark Curran
- Ross W. Johnson
- Marcella Krupski
- Matthew Luttenberger
- Paul T. Schloegel
I know I gave Curran a lot of ink here, but that’s not necessarily an endorsement. Of course, I’ve never been asked for my endorsement. Regardless, I don’t do that. There will be plenty of time for all of us to give each candidate a good look. And even though we say this too often, I’ll say it again… it’s going to be an important election. Vote wisely.
More City
As long as I’m on the city beat, and with an election in sight, you might be interested in learning more about what our commission and city staff actually do… as opposed to what social media critics suggest they do.
With just a handful of slots available, you can still register for the city’s annual Citizen’s Academy, a 10 week program that lets participants in on the nuts and bolts of Marquette’s inner workings.
According to Anne McIlhagga, Government Affairs Coordinator for the City of Marquette and director of the program, “There is an overwhelming positive response from those who have completed the academy, most notably their continued engagement in city government by joining boards and committees and participating in local meetings.”
The 4th edition of the citizens academy will be running every Wednesday evening from August 19 – October 21 with recognition of graduates at the City Commission meeting on October 26.
“People tend to be the most surprised by the complexity of day-to-day city operations and how specialized different departments are,” McIlhagga says. “The tour of the Wastewater Treatment Plant and the Motor Pool are always big hits.”
You can find out more about the program and, if you’ve been hoping to get up close and personal with our city sewage, you can register for the session here.
For a Good Cause
The Marquette American Legion Auxiliary Unit 44 is having a Rummage Sale today (Friday) and tomorrow from 8 am to noon. It’s a donation based sale, with proceeds going to help our area veterans.
It’s happening at the Legion at 700 West Bluff Street. Stop by and find something you need… or something you didn’t know you needed. Either way, it’s money well spent.
Also Saturday, after you’ve hit the Rummage Sale, head a few blocks east for Classic Cars & Bikes on Third. This is a big fundraiser for The Women’s Center and it goes from 11 am until 3 pm.
I look every year, but I have yet to see an old Packard like the one my dad was so proud of. I don’t believe they made many of them, which makes it even more of a classic. Maybe this year.