Calumet Downtown Development Authority The draft concept design for the Fifth Street 300 block Green space will the be focus of public comment session on Aug. 13, 2020.

CALUMET — The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Green space Committee will host a public comment session from 5:30-7:30 p.m., outdoors next to the Calumet Threatre, on Thursday, Aug.13, according to a release from the DDA.

The purpose of the session is for the committee to receive comments on a draft concept design for improvements to the public green space located in the 300 block of Fifth and Sixth Streets in downtown Calumet. Community feedback received at this event will guide design alterations and will ultimately dictate funding and timelines for the project.

In the summer of 2019, 1.5 contiguous lots were donated to the Village of Calumet Downtown Development Authority (DDA). The property was donated with the understanding that a centrally located greenspace could be created for the community to enjoy.

The Green space Committee was formed in 2019 for the purpose of guiding the creation of a new public space in the vacant lots of 325-329 Fifth Street.

The Fifth Street property, formerly home to the Sterk Block (Superior Lanes Bowling Alley), is now vacant, and was donated to the DDA for use as a public green space in 2019. With assistance from Michigan American Water Company, Kalcich Contracting, Ace Hardware, and the Village Street Department, the property was graded and grass planted shortly after it was acquired. The Committee then began planning for future improvements. The Committee has been working for several months on developing a concept design for the space with technical assistance from Keweenaw National Historical Park.

“While Calumet still has a lot of wonderful architecture,” Leah Polzien, DDA chairwoman, said, ” our community has suffered loss of many structures and we’d like to see those empty spaces contributing to the downtown in a positive way.”

The property located at 325-329 5th Street, was previously home to two buildings. The building at 327-329 Fifth Street was constructed in 1902 as Sterk’s Saloon. Other occupants over the years have been Rosenbaum’s Store, Calumet Bar, and the Chili Kahn Restaurant. In 1942, Socrates Antioho purchased the building and began the Superior Bowling Alley, which later became known for its pool room and sporting goods as well. Known more commonly as “Sac’s.” The building partially collapsed and was ultimately demolished in 2018. Less is known about the building at 325 5th Street which was demolished over a decade ago.

Improving parks and public green spaces will encourage growth, Polzien said, so, “we’ve put a lot of work into this and we’re excited to share this first draft concept design with the public.”

Public comments and questions will be received during the outdoor event on Aug. 13, online at the project website and via e-mail to info@mainstreetcalumet.com. More information about the project, including project and site history, the concept design presentation and committee membership can be viewed on-line at project website, http://www.villageofcalumet.com/calumet-greenspace-improvement-project.html.

The Village of Calumet Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is a governmental body created by local governmental ordinance for the purpose of halting, preventing and correcting deterioration of our downtown business district. Learn more about the DDA by visiting, http://www.villageofcalumet.com/dda-home.html. Questions about this press release can be directed to Leah Polzien at leah@mainstreetcalumet.com.