KINGSFORD — The Michigan Department of Treasury has approved a Commercial Rehabilitation Exemption certificate requested by RR Downtown LLC for Venue 906 at 900 W. Breitung Ave.

The developer is renovating a former manufacturing and warehouse facility of about 12,400 square feet into a full-service event venue at an estimated improvement cost of $315,000.

The certificate, previously endorsed by Kingsford City Council, provides a tax break for up to 10 years. Property taxes on the improved portion can be frozen at the original assessment value during that period, explained City Manager Tony Edlebeck.

The Kingsford property formerly housed Oldenburg Group Inc., now Lake Shore Systems, but had been vacant for about nine years after Oldenburg moved to a new facility at 2141 Woodward Ave. in Kingsford.

The developer, Brad Staedt, also has plans to convert former office space at the Breitung Avenue site into 30 apartments of various sizes. Tax provisions may also be provided for that portion of the project, but a request must still be filed.

The city council on Nov. 16 also learned that Staedt Enterprises LLC has made application for the transfer of a Class C and Specially Designated Merchant license for Sunday Sales Permit for Venue 906.

In other action, the council:

— Heard Edlebeck report that the Nov. 3 election went smoothly and that election workers, City Hall staff and especially Deputy City Clerk Tanya Hiltonen should be commended on an exceptional job in getting through the vote with all of the changes and new procedures pertaining to absentee voting and registration.

— Received two bids for a new photo copier unit for the Public Safety Department — The Office Planning Group Inc., $3,295, and UP Office Equipment Systems Inc., $3,259. Both bids include trading in the old unit and will be reviewed by staff.