Parking will be prohibited on the 300 block of West Hughitt Street as the Imagination Factory Community Center prepares to open in early 2026. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News)

IRON MOUNTAIN — Parking will be banned on both sides of the 300 block of West Hughitt Street to improve safety for the new Imagination Factory Community Center.

A no parking order was approved Monday by Iron Mountain City Council in response to a request from Director of Police and Fire Services Jeff Solka. He explained that Barb Reisner, executive director of the Imagination Factory, had expressed concerns about traffic.

“Barb expects a large number of children will be in and out of the Imagination Factory throughout the day and for evening events,” Solka said in a memo to the council. “Not having cars parked curbside will aid clear vision while crossing the street.”

Council member Pam Maule agreed the order is needed because children entering the street could be hidden by parked vehicles.

There is a large parking lot directly across from the center, Mayor Dale Alessandrini noted.

The center will be housed in an 88-year-old former school building and includes a children’s museum on the first floor that may open within several months. There is a $500,000 fundraising goal to transform the structure into a three-story hub for a variety of community activities.

The Imagination Factory Children’s Museum opened at 217 W. Hughitt St. in September 2021. Several years later, construction planning and renovation began on the new community center next door.

In other action, the city council:

— Scheduled a public hearing for 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 5, on requests from Bill Neuens and James LaFave to vacate alley right-of-ways at 105 N. Lake Antoine Road and 800-826 Spring St. The request is linked to a planned property sale to Circle K for future development, according to City Manager Jordan Stanchina. There are no city utilities within the right-of-ways.

— Learned that 90 deer have been harvested during an archery hunt on designated city parcels. The city has acquired permits from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for a harvest of up to 150 for a season that runs through Jan. 1. A total of 82 deer were taken last year, the most since the program began in 2012.

— Reappointed Steve Harris to a three-year term on the City Civil Service Commission.

— Approved payment of $1,578 to the Central Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Regional Commission for annual membership dues. As a CUPPAD member, the city is entitled to a discounted rate for services as well as 10 free hours of technical assistance.

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Jim Anderson can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85226, or janderson@ironmountaindailynews.com.