Mr. Grant’s letter to the editor entitled, A Little More Action Please, prompts us to share some information on Escanaba’s north shore development projects.

On Tuesday, July 26th, an opportunity was given for local and state officials, as well as The Daily Press and TV6, to tour The Lofts on Ludington as an example of a successful brownfield redevelopment in downtown Escanaba. Members of Escanaba’s city administration, city council, planning commission, brownfield board, and the DDA, as well as the Delta County Commission, the MEDC, and EGLE attended and enjoyed visiting with several current residents of The Lofts. These residents graciously opened their doors to show government officials the results that Escanaba can achieve with local private/public cooperation; breathing new life into blighted, historic, brownfield properties. Those in attendance were enthusiastically impressed with the beautiful apartments and potential of our next brownfield project. Unfortunately, news organizations were unable to attend.

Folks then went to city hall, where Jarred Drown and Rick Elrod from Terrace Bay Hotel Group shared their progress on securing the old jail site for a new hotel. Aaron Kadish of North Shore Marine updated everyone on their progress with the property they plan to purchase. We, Swanee, Inc. along with Barry Polzin Architects, displayed renderings of our exciting plans for the old Chamber of Commerce property, and gave an update on our progress. Our joint Brownfield Consultant, Mac McClelland, explained the condition of the properties and what needs to happen to get them ready for construction.

We, Swanee, Inc., submitted our purchase agreement for the Chamber property back on July 5th. We are told that the city attorney is reviewing the document. It was our hope to negotiate the terms of the agreement ahead of time, so that when the appraisal that’s expected in September is finished, we can agree on a price and begin the brownfield processes.

The State agencies of EGLE and the MEDC have been extremely cooperative and eager to get these projects off the ground. Are there hoops to jump through? Of course there are. Is the future of Escanaba worth it? We think so. When we took on The Lofts project, we had a lot to learn, but with the help of City Manager Jim O’Toole and his staff, the “hoops” were wide enough for us to get through. We entered into this Northshore Flats project with our eyes wide open, knowing what we’re up against, with every intention of pushing forward. We absolutely agree with Mr. Grant that our city needs to attract younger residents and grow soon or it will die. We are doing everything in our power to help Escanaba grow. We believe in Escanaba. Will you join us?

We respectfully request that more citizens become involved in city government. Get to know what’s happening at city hall. Volunteer to be on a board, commission, council or authority. Give a little of your time to benefit our city, and let’s see the future of Escanaba take off – together.

Matt and Beth Sviland

Owners/Developers of The Lofts on Ludington

Swanee Inc/Developers of The Northshore Flats