MRI Properties recently renovated the facade at 421 S. Stephenson Ave. Built in 1982 after a fire destroyed three buildings in the 400 block, 421 now has “an aesthetic appeal that livens up our downtown,” according to the DDA.

MRI Properties worked with Blomquist Architects to enlarge the windows facing Stephenson Avenue to let more natural light into the space. They also removed the old, yellow canopy, raised the brick pilasters to the top of the parapet, and painted the brick a sleek black for an updated look. New signage and lighting add some modem details.

The building will house a soon-to-be-announced restaurant tenant. This space will be known as Odd Fellows.

“We appreciate the support we’ve received from the DDA as well from Blomquist Architects, Bryan Johnson Construction, MBM Construction, B&B Electric, St. George Glass and TJP Contracting,” MRI owner Jesse Land said. “Without them we wouldn’t have been able to complete this relatively complex facade renovation.”

MINDY MEYERS, LEFT, program director for the Iron Mountain Downtown Development Authority, presents a $5,000 Facade Improvement grant in October to MRI Properties owner Jesse Land for work done at his building at 421 S. Stephenson Ave. in Iron Mountain. The site is slated to have Oddfellows wine bar and restaurant. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

O.M.GiGi Boutique recently remodeled the property at 209 E. Hughitt St. that formerly was The Savage Mane salon.

The interior walls and booths were removed to make an open-concept design for the boutique. Aging ceiling tiles were removed to expose the beautiful original wood beams. Interior walls were taken down and a commercial vinyl flooring product installed throughout the first floor.

“The downtown assistance program provided O.M.GiGi Boutique a chance to revitalize our new downtown location,” owner Julia Barglind said. “We can’t wait to share with the community our women’s and children’s clothing for years to come.”

“The DDA is excited to support MRI Properties with the Facade grant and O.M.GiGi Boutique with the Downtown Assistance Program grant,” said Mindy Meyers, DDA program director. “MRI Properties has new black facade at their 421 South Stephenson property that is striking and such a change and makes a noticeable impact in our downtown.”

“We are very grateful to MRI Properties and to all of the downtown developers that have continually invested in and worked to revitalize downtown Iron Mountain,” Meyers added. “O.M.GiGi Boutique has remodeled the interior space of 209 East Hughitt Street to create an inviting and vibrant shopping experience for the community. The DDA is pleased with these new improvements with the downtown and is excited to continue to support projects that enhance our downtown businesses,” Meyers said.

The Facade Improvement grant aims to encourage revitalization of historic properties within the DDA district. The program supports improvement to exterior building facades — front, sides, back — that eliminate blight and uphold the traditional architectural characteristics of the downtown. This is a matching grant program that will provide financial support to property owners for small and large projects that enhance the aesthetic appearance and functionality of the existing property.

Examples of qualifying projects include, but are not limited to, removing non-historic features and materials; adding windows or display areas; uncovering or rehabilitating the original facade of an existing building; restoring or repairing original brickwork, wood, masonry, or stucco; reconstructing architectural details such as cornices or transoms; replacing or repairing windows and doors; and adding traditional-style awnings, lights or signs.

The Downtown Assistance Program grant provides financial incentive and assistance to property owners looking to complete isolated construction activities or procure professional services of various types to promote and enhance their business activity.

More details about these grants can be found at downtownironmountain.com/grants.

The mission of the Downtown Development Authority is to create a vibrant downtown in Iron Mountain by promoting economic growth through organizing community events, attracting new businesses and advancing the beautification and historic preservation within the district.