Courtesy of Northern Lights Architecture and Marusich Architecture Architectural rendering of the proposed apartment complex and restaurant that is being planned for construction on the former Chassell Mercantile site on U.S. 41 in Chassell.

CHASSELL TOWNSHIP — The site of the former Chassell Mercantile is slated for redevelopment, but there are still details to work through before finalization.

Design architect James Marusich, of Northern Lights Architecture, said plans call for the construction of a 22-unit housing project that will include a 2,000 square-foot restaurant on the ground floor. The plan includes a single parking space for each one-bedroom apartment, and two spaces for each two-bedroom apartment, with more being provided within walking distance as needed.

Marusich said the planning on the preliminary design began in May 2023.

“We had to go through a good number of layouts with the apartments, and the restaurant space on the ground floor,” Marusich said.

On Feb. 14, 2023, the Chassell Township Planning Commission held a public informational meeting at the Chassell Fire Hall, where Marusich and the intended developer, Dan Palosaari presented the plan and the architectural renderings, along with discussions on the project.

“When we did the presentation, the township was okay with having one parking space for the single bedroom units and two spaces for the two-bedroom units, which will be on site” Marusich said. “But it hasn’t been formally approved yet, but I think they’re going to do it.”

The Planning Commission had given guidance that it was looking for elements of modern Finnish architectural design to be brought to redevelopment projects, and some of those were incorporated into the design, Marusich said. They are evident in the cornice wok and in the window trim, saying none exists.

The township also addressed the question of whether Palosaari’s position on the Township Board constitutes a conflict of interest regarding the project.

The redevelopment of this project has been guided by the Chassell Township Planning Commission which goes all the way back to when the building collapsed, was taken through the dangerous building ordinance, through legal process, and ultimately into the Houghton County Land Bank.

“Getting developer interest in the project was a challenge due to the asbestos and lead based paint to be remediated,” the Board said. “We are thankful for Dan’s willingness to take this project on to provide much needed housing and commercial development in our community.”

At the Dec. 2022 Annual Meeting of the Houghton County Landbank Authority, the former Chassell Mercantile building was on the list of its properties, and described it as collapsed and blighted. At the request of Chassell Township, the LBA agreed to accept this property from its present owners at no cost, with proof of the release of the lien by the Township, the payment by the Township of any necessary taxes, and a formal agreement from a county resident that he will immediately accept the property as is for $1.00 plus all applicable deed recording fees for the purposes of residential and commercial redevelopment.