ALPENA — A large mixed-use project slated for Rogers City has received an infusion of cash to help the project move forward.

On Tuesday, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced a project in downtown Rogers City that will redevelop a two-story property into a blend of commercial space and housing.

The developer, Emily Ree, LLC, is ready to move forward with the $1,845,000 project, as requested by the Rogers City Brownfield Redevelopment Authority. The project is also being supported by the Michigan Strategic Fund Revitalization and Placemaking Grant in the amount of $739,000.

When completed, the project will take the functionally obsolete property, that is 6,312 square feet, and completely renovate it into 2,800 square feet of commercial space and four residential units. With this revitalization effort, the developer will be creating a dense, mixed-use property that supports small businesses and provides much-needed housing to the community.

“We are honored and excited to be working with the State and local government to invest in the redevelopment of downtown Rogers City,” said Emily Gajewski, owner of Emily Ree. “It is exciting to offer the community additional housing which is needed at this time as well as commercial space to be utilized to better serve this area’s needs. We hope the addition of this revitalized space to the downtown is something that our entire community can take pride in.”

The commercial space will include a fully functioning pharmacy, vaccination and waiting areas, over-the-counter retail, and a full gift shop.

A fully functioning pharmacy is a priority for the community, and this project enables the only local pharmacy to grow and expand, offering crucial services to the area. Two of the residential units will be located on the first floor at the rear of the building, providing ADA accessibility. In total, four residential units will be created to help address the housing shortage and increase density in the downtown area by activating a vacant second story.

Rogers City Mayor Scott McLennan said the development and housing are welcome and another piece of the puzzle to invigorating the downtown.

“This pharmacy project is another great example of how strategic investment can breathe new life into our downtown while addressing critical community needs,” said McLennan. “Transforming this vacant property into a vibrant mixed-use space will expand community access to essential services as well as creating much needed housing opportunities. This development reflects our ongoing commitment to revitalizing Rogers City, supporting businesses and enhancing the quality of life for our residents. We are grateful for support from the Michigan Strategic Fund and for all partners who have helped to make this project possible.”

Along with support from the Michigan Strategic Fund, the project received a grant from the Presque Isle Land Bank Blight Elimination Program for $66,000 and a 12-year Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act, estimated to have a value of $98,797.

It is unknown when the project will begin or how long it will take to complete.

Steve Schulwitz can be reached at 989-358-5689 or sschulwitz@TheAlpenaNews.com. Follow him on X @ss_alpenanews.com.