MARQUETTE, MICH. — Wolverine Building Group will redevelop the Holy Family Orphanage in Marquette, in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, into an affordable housing property. Wolverine has partnered with Home Renewal Systems Communities and Community Action Alger Marquette for the $16 million project. The orphanage, originally constructed in 1915 and vacant since 1965, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The six-story building featured classrooms, bedrooms, playrooms, a laundry room, kitchen and dining hall. It once housed up to 200 children.
Upon renovation, 14 of the 56 units will be set aside as supportive housing units for formerly homeless persons and families in need. Rent for these tenants will be limited to 30 percent of their current incomes. Many of the structure’s historic features, including its sandstone multi-story front porch, will be preserved during the renovation. The original chapel has been restored for use as a community space.