Bring Back Calumet Initiative

• Recognition in press materials.

• Exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Ruppe Building with project leaders.

• Featured donor spotlight on social media and the project webpage, plus name listing in printed materials.

• Framed certificate of appreciation.

• Inclusion in periodic project updates via e-newsletter.

• Framed certificate of appreciation.

• Name listed as a donor on the project webpage, in printed materials, and in social media acknowledgments.

• Inclusion in periodic project updates via e-newsletter.

• Name listed on the project webpage, in printed materials, and in social media acknowledgments. 

• Personalized thank-you letter from project leaders.

• Inclusion in periodic project updates via e-newsletter.

• Recognition on the project webpage.

• Name included in a community donor acknowledgement post on social media.

• Inclusion in periodic project updates via e-newsletter.

• Name included in a community donor acknowledgment post on social media.

• Inclusion in periodic project updates via e-newsletter.

The Ruppe Building is a cornerstone of Calumet's National Historic Landmark District, reflecting the town's role in America’s industrial growth during the copper boom. Its iconic architecture, including an arched terracotta façade and ornate metal cornice, exemplifies Calumet’s rich history and craftsmanship. Built in the 1870s and expanded in the 1890s, it is a beautiful structure in the downtown landscape.

Years of water infiltration have caused significant damage to the building’s rear, including a collapsed mezzanine floor, failed beams, and severe water damage affecting over one-third of the structure's back. Despite this, the front portion remains relatively dry and stable, and the terracotta facade is in good condition.

The project will proceed in phases as funding allows. Each phase is further broken down into smaller tasks that will be completed as each funding goal is reached. Cleanout work has already been completed to make construction work easier and safer. As of 1/8/25, $25,600 has been committed. 

Phase I: Stabilization

• Phase I A. Immediate shoring - $50k

• Phase I B. Complete shoring - $54k

• Phase I C. Patching & covering roof - $96k

• Cost: $200,000

Phase II: Restoration

• Framed and block walls - $125,000

• Demolition & fill - $225,000

• New roof & overhang - $75,000

• Misc. (stairs, repairs, etc.) - $40,000

• Contingency - $93,000

• A&E/Admin - $46,500

• Total - $604,500

The Bring Back Calumet Initiative is leading the effort with support from the Keweenaw Community Foundation. The Initiative task force is comprised of representatives from the Village of Calumet Downtown Development Authority (DDA), the Village of Calumet, Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance (KEDA), Main Street Calumet Inc., the Keweenaw National Historical Park (KNHP), Calumet Township, Houghton County Land Bank Authority (HCLBA), and the Keweenaw National Historical Park Advisory Commission (KNHPAC). 

Demolition would destroy a piece of Calumet’s historic fabric, leaving a void in the downtown district. Stabilizing and redeveloping the Ruppe Building aligns with the community’s broader preservation and economic growth goals. Additionally, demolition is costly—estimates indicate that demolition could approach or even exceed the cost of stabilization. Once demolished, rebuilding with comparable materials would also be prohibitively expensive, eliminating the opportunity to reuse this historic structure.

The current owner has already invested over $125,000 in stabilization efforts but no longer can undertake the extensive repairs needed. Recognizing the building’s significance, the owner has agreed to transfer it to a public entity to ensure its preservation and future redevelopment. The owner’s cooperation reflects a commitment to the building’s legacy despite personal financial constraints.

The Village has taken significant steps to address blight and prevent similar situations in the future. This includes hiring a blight enforcement officer, updating ordinances to strengthen enforcement mechanisms, and working with property owners to encourage timely maintenance. The Bring Back Calumet Taskforce also proactively identifies at-risk properties and collaborates with partners to stabilize and redevelop them before they reach critical condition. These measures are part of a broader strategy to preserve the historic fabric of Calumet while fostering economic growth.

The consequences could be severe if the Ruppe Building collapses before stabilization efforts are completed. A collapse would pose significant safety risks to nearby properties and pedestrians. It would also result in permanently losing an irreplaceable historic structure, undermining the integrity of the downtown historic district. The cost of clearing the debris and addressing collateral damage would likely surpass the price of the initial stabilization and will be the property owner's responsibility.

Once stabilized, the building will be available for redevelopment. Ideally transitioning into mixed-use space, offering up to eight residential units and 2,500 square feet of commercial space. This aligns with Calumet’s vision for revitalizing downtown and supporting community growth.

The current owner of the Ruppe Building has made significant efforts to stabilize the property, investing $125,000 to slow the building's deterioration. However, the owner is no longer able to continue the rehabilitation process. As a result, the Village of Calumet Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has entered into an agreement with the property owner to take ownership of the building. The DDA will not take ownership of the property until the building is adequately stabilized, reducing potential liability to the DDA. This careful approach ensures that the structure will be in a safer, more manageable condition before the DDA officially assumes ownership.

Residents can contribute by donating to the stabilization fund, volunteering for cleanout efforts, or spreading awareness about the project.

The Bring Back Calumet Initiative is a multi-agency task force focused on the redevelopment of properties in Calumet, Michigan. Members include the Village of Calumet, Village of Calumet DDA, Houghton County Land Bank Authority, Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance, Main Street Calumet, Inc., Calumet Township, Keweenaw National Historical Park, and the Keweenaw National Historial Park Advisory Commission. The task force has successfully driven over $9 million in historic preservation efforts in the past eight years, stabilizing 12 buildings and fostering a resurgence in downtown Calumet. The group has also received accolades, such as the Michigan Governor’s Award for Historic Preservation in 2023 and the Vernacular Architecture Forum’s (VAF) Advocacy Award in 2024.