Republic Thanks Border Grill Owner for Bank Building
Republic thanks an area businessman for a good deal on a downtown building.
It’s the former Republic State Bank building at the corner of Front Street and Kloman Avenue.
Earlier this week, the township bought it for a little over $30,000 from Dan Torres, the owner of the Border Grill restaurants in Marquette and Negaunee.
75% of the money to buy it came from a DNR acquisition grant.
Township officials say once Torres learned why they wanted to buy it, he gave them a nearly 25% break on his asking price of around $40,000.
They say they’re grateful for that and thank Torres for it.
The township was interested in it because of the Iron Ore Heritage Trail.
Once the trail is completed, the building will be sitting at the extreme western end of it.
The bank building was most recently used as a bar, but it’s been vacant for years.