Features

Description

Several years in the making, the project will convert the 45,000-square-foot, open factory space into 65 stylish apartments and 750 square feet of commercial space. The apartments will have high ceilings; large, arched, historic windows; granite countertops; stainless steel appliances; and will retain many of the unique characteristics of this 130-year-old building. As early as 1904, the building housed a variety of wood-based product manufacturing such as typeset for printing presses, a popular board game Carrom, and a revolutionary product called Haskelite invented by a Ludington local, Henry Haskell. This waterproof, moldable plywood product was used in making canoes, automobile and bus roofs, airplanes and other modern products of the 1920s. The building’s manufacturing history qualified the property to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The old, yet sturdy exterior will contrast beautifully with modern building amenities including an elevator, electronic key access, building-wide security cameras, community room and fitness room with free wi-fi, in-unit washer/dryers and energy efficient appliances. The Pennies from Heaven Foundation has been a significant supporter and funder of the project. The organization provided $1 million of grant money specifically for creation of middle-income housing units and neighborhood revitalization. Local couple, Ron and Dawn Sarto, also supported the goal of creating housing by donating the property to Michigan Community Capital in 2019.