Grandview property takes one step closer to completion

MARQUETTE — Sometimes finding a place to live in Marquette can be a little pricey, but that won’t be the case for long.

Before long, the famed Holy Family Orphanage will be converted into 56 one, two, and three bedroom apartments. The units will be affordable and close to downtown.

“We committed to doing updates when we had developments to report and we’re at a point where we’ve got all the major requirements for closing on our financing completed and we’re moving forward,” said Rick Ballard a consultant for Home Renewal Systems.

Home Renewal Systems is handling the face lift and they competed last spring for low income tax credits to get capital for the renovation. They aren’t the first to try and do something with the property, and many around Marquette had their doubts that anything could be done. But Home Renewal Systems has completed the cost estimates and are ready to move forward.

“I think the fact that, given the difficulties that the community has had in terms of getting successful strategies to redevelop this property, one of the most gratifying things is that everyone was so welcoming. They sort of suspended their skepticism about yet another effort to undertake this process,” added Ballard.

Home Renewal Systems plans on starting lead paint and asbestos abatement by the spring of 2016.