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The waterfront in Downtown Houghton may soon have a boardwalk-style pier for holding special events.
The city is exploring grant opportunities through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation for community redevelopment and placemaking in downtowns.
Recent conversations with the MEDC indicated that a larger project for Houghton may be viable along its waterfront.
The pier would be located between the Portage Lake District Library and the Lakeshore Center to create a downtown gathering space large enough to be home to the Farmers Market, concerts and festivals.
The pier would also create a gathering place, much like a town square, that could serve multiple users, plus provide mooring for large vessels.
The waterfront trail would be rerouted around the lake side of the library to intersect with the pier, eliminating the need for trail users to cross two streets and a parking lot.
A split-level parking deck would be constructed with the lower level below street grade at Lakeshore Drive, adding over 40 parking spaces to the waterfront without blocking the view.
The proposed project is $2.5 million and would require a city match of $600,000.
Plans are still in their early stages and will need to be reviewed by the MEDC.
