LANSING – The Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Calumet Township have announced a new crowdfunding campaign through Michigan-based crowdfunding platform, Patronicity.

The campaign will support the re-purposing of a historic manufacturing site, The Drill Shop, into a year round activity and curling center.

If The Drill Shop attains its crowdfunding goal of $32,000 by July 17, MEDC will provide a $32,000 matching grant with funds made possible by the MEDC Public Spaces Community Places program..

For project details and to donate, please visit: www.patronicity.com/project/the_drill_shop#/

“This is a great opportunity for the community to rally around a project that will create a place where residents and visitors will be able to enjoy activities they are passionate about,” said MEDC Community Development Director Katharine Czarnecki. “We are pleased to be able to provide the resources in order to partner in this effort.”

The Drill Shop was built in 1885 to manufacture drilling equipment for the copper mining industry and was in operation until 1968. After being vacant for nearly 40 years, the building was purchased by Calumet Township in order to preserve it. In 2005, the Copper Country Curling Club installed two curling rinks in one section of the building and began curling during the winter months.

“We are very excited about this project which will create a year round indoor space for several popular activities while restoring a historic building.” Paul Lehto, Calumet Township supervisor

Once The Drill Shop project is completed, the building will undergo multiple upgrades – including handicap accessibility. The community center will accommodate a hockey shooting and goal tending area, a batting and pitching area, and an area for two regulation horse shoe courts along with the two curling rinks currently in place.

Public Spaces Community Places is a collaborative effort of the MEDC, the Michigan Municipal League, and Patronicity where local residents can use crowdfunding to be part of the development of strategic projects in their communities and be backed with a matching grant from MEDC. Communities, non-profits and other business entities can apply at patronicity.com/puremichigan.

Pure Michigan is a brand representing business, talent and tourism initiatives across Michigan. These efforts are driven by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which serves as the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business growth, jobs and opportunity with a focus on helping grow Michigan’s economy.