News Photo by Steve Schulwitz The former Kmart building in Alpena, seen here on Tuesday, may not sit empty for much longer after officials announced an Alpena company called I2P is in the process of purchasing the building and making it a hub for small, innovative industrial and manufacturing businesses.

ALPENA — After sitting vacant since December 2016, it appears the former Kmart building in Alpena will be put to use for several industrial-type businesses.

On Tuesday, the Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce announced that the former big box store on U.S.-23 South is in the process of being purchased by Alpena consulting company I2P, which will provide production facilities to small start-up companies.

Chamber Economic Development Director Jim Klarich said the project has been in motion for some time and is now getting close to fruition. He declined to provide details about the players invloved in I2P and information on the firm’s website was limited.

Klarich said the property in Alpena Township is zoned commercial, but officials have applied to have that changed to light industrial. He said the sale of the building has not yet closed, but is moving forward.

Klarich said Alpena has a rich history of manufacturing and innovation and he is confident the new project will continue that tradition.

He said businesses that will fill the former store will likely create job opportunities.

“This is a big deal and a real opportunity for the community,” Klarich said. “This will help with the growth of the manufacturing sector and the growth and development of new technology. There will be some smaller tenants mixed with some larger ones and we’re confident that, over time, this will grow.”

On its website, I2P — which stands for Moving Ideas to Production — describes itself as a firm that offers expertise to manufacturing and technology companies experiencing limitations in growth and market advancement.

Klarich said there will be more announcements on the project as they become available.

Steve Schulwitz can be reached at 989-358-5689 at sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com. Follow him on Twitter @ss_alpenanews.com.