Marquette Township's skyline and landscape could be in for a dramatic and exciting change if a proposed multimillion-dollar land development project comes to fruition.
The project could include a recreational lodge, shopping, permanent residences, entertainment, professional offices, and even more, according to Valdy Biernacki, one of the Up the Sky LLC developers behind the proposed development. Depending on many variables as the project moves ahead, Biernacki estimates the cost to be between $70 million to $90 million.
"Marquette is a beautiful place, a natural place for a project like this," Biernacki says. "I compare it to the Wisconsin Dells, which 35 years ago, no one went to. Well, now, it is a major destination. I see Marquette as being more beautiful than the Wisconsin Dells, and this is something that Marquette has needed for quite a long time."
The 70-acre project was formally proposed July 24 to the Marquette Township Planning Commission for a preliminary phase review, though there already had been much cooperation between officials and the Up the Sky developers as plans have been formulated.
"We've had input already, but to tell you the truth, their plan has been solid right along," says Jason McCarthy, Marquette Township planner and zoning administrator. "The property is zoned for commercial development, it conforms to the master plan and it will provide entertainment, not just for the township, but for the entire community and beyond. It's a very exciting development for Marquette.
"This will really put Marquette on the map even more than it already is. It will keep people from going to Appleton or Green Bay and keep them spending U.P. dollars in the U.P."
McCarthy means it when he says he's excited.
"This is the best place to be a planner, right here in Marquette," he says. "It's a wonderful situation."
The project is in the midst of an approximate two-and-a-half-month zoning compliance period, that, once completed, will clear the way for construction just north of the Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse. Biernacki says he would like to see ground broken in spring or early summer 2014, with an eye toward completion perhaps two years later.
Many variables--including Marquette's short construction season, plus the ability to draw retail tenants' commitment to the project prior to its completion--will have a bearing on when the Up the Sky development will actually be open for business. Biernacki is hopeful that 2016 is realistic.
"You must remember, we are just in the planning stages and we want to do this right," Biernacki says. "We don't want to build the shopping center, and then have it sit vacant while we go to attract tenants. We want 20 percent committed before we begin building the shopping center, and then that will create more interest as we go."
Some might wonder if Marquette can support such a major undertaking, but Biernacki is certain the area is ready.
"People come from 50 miles away to shop here," he said. "Now we give them a reason to stay longer, maybe overnight to be entertained, maybe at a waterpark at a lodge, depending on who we get there. We get people from all over the U.P., but even more than that, we get visitors from all over.
"And, when they see how beautiful it is here, many will want to live here. I am sure this will be the case."
The Up the Sky project will include three development levels. Level 1 will include a modern shopping plaza, two restaurants and upper floor, multi-family residential units. Level 2 features high-end office space, medical office adaptation, and more upper floor family residential space. Level 3 includes the 150-plus-room lodge/hotel, a convention center on the roof deck and a high-end restaurant.
Biernacki stresses that the plans are fluid, and he is open to suggestion.
"I will listen to people's ideas, because I'm sure we haven't thought of everything," he says. "Also, as we go, some ideas we have will change, perhaps. You have to be flexible."
Biernacki should have a pretty decent idea about what the area needs. The Chicago-based developer already has two properties here--the Bayou townhouses in Chocolay Township, and Picnic Rocks, a single-family home development in the process of selling lots right now. Marquette has been a favorite area of his since his first visit more than a decade ago.
"I am from Poland and it reminded me a little bit of there," he said. "The big lake reminds me of the Baltic Sea. It's beautiful here. When I first came here, I immediately wanted to live here, but we already were settled in Chicago and my family wanted to stay there.
"So the next best thing is to own property and do business here. That way, at least, I can have contact with a beautiful part of the country. I love the lake, the rolling terrain."
Biernacki is building the development with the natural area in mind. It will be heavy in woodwork, to go with the wooded terrain.
"We want to make sure everyone is happy with what we are doing," Biernacki says. "I think people are going to be very excited."
Jeff Barr is a freelance writer who has lived in Michigan for 46 years. You can reach Jeff at barrj88@aol.com.