Laurium welcomed the community to the new site of the department of public works. The $4.9 million project was quickly organized after a fire destroyed the original building in February 2025. Village manager Ian Lewis says the community came together during a tough time, demonstrating understanding, teamwork, and strength. The new site is much larger, with adequate space for crews working on in-house repairs.
“It gives a true deckhead mechanic space. It gives additional storage on the top floor of the building so that we have room to store maybe the smaller items in a dedicated woodworking shop, said village manager,” Ian Lewis. “A lot of what we do here is fabricated because we just can’t afford some of the items we need to be able to build.”
Early on Moyle Construction worked with the village to navigate a rebuild process. Some of that work included help gaining a larger payment from the village’s insurance provider. The fire resulted in a total loss of all of the village equipment that was stored inside. From the large dump trucks and snowblowers, to tools workers regularly used to repair equipment.
“We built it with local labor, and local talent. We preformed all of the engineering and architecture that was necessary to get this facility up and functioning in very short order,” shared Moyle project manager Andrew Kemper. “So they can get this thing ready for when the snow starts flying next week.”
The village of Laurium emphasized local contractors in the project. Moyle Construction was able to subcontract work such as plumbing, heating and cooling, and more with local companies such as Northern Heating and Plumbing, Bay Electric, Laramie Concrete, Great Lakes Mineral Works, Superior Block, Keweenaw Glass and Door, Superior Service, McGraff, Keweenaw Overhead Door, Superior Polymers, K2 Insulation, Agate Painting, Finishcoat Painting, and DC Select Drywall.
The village of Laurium contracted the construction of the new d-p-w garage with Moyle Construction developers. The village was able to use insurance proceeds to purchase new equipment such as trucks, and graders. The new site is also the home of the village’s recreation department, conveniently located near the George Gipp ice arena and park.
On November3rd the village will ask voters to replace the DPW millage with a 2.25 mill tax rate. Decreasing the cost for residents by 0.25 mills. Learn more about the Laurium department of public works online.
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