HistoryThe Agnitz Block is two-story, commercial building located at 427 Fifth Street in the Village of Calumet’s Civic and Commercial Historic District. It was constructed in 1895 at the peak of Michigan’s copper mining boom.
The 44 foot by 85 foot structure has load-bearing sandstone masonry walls with a flat roof that broadly slopes to the rear of the building. The storefront facade has original rough-cut sandstone, regularly-spaced wood double-hung windows on the second floor, and remnants of a pressed metal cornice. Despite alterations to the storefront, the building retains the better part of its historic character. The Agnitz Block is a contributing structure to: the Calumet National Landmark District (listed on the National Register of Historic Places), The Calumet Unit of Keweenaw NHP, and the Calumet Commercial and Civic Historic District established by local ordinance. |
Historic photo of the west side of 5th Street with 427 5th Street at far right of photo.
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Rehabilitation Efforts
The Agnitz Block has already undergone basic stabilization efforts with the following items addressed in 2011. This project represents a partnership between the National Park Service (NPS), Midwest Region Historic Structure Stabilization program and the Village of Calumet DDA which has covered the project start up costs.
Removal of interior debris, pigeon guano, and asbestos pipe wrap was completed by Northwoods Environmental Industries, Inc. of Ontonagon. Temporary Electrical power to the building was installed by Erico Electrical, Inc. of Hancock Michigan. This work involved coordinating work by UPPCO which also resulted in the removal of under-utilized power lines and transformers in the alley utility corridor. Custom metal bearing plates and tie rods were fabricated by Calumet Machine, and were used to anchor the east façade sandstone masonry wall to prevent failure. A rubber membrane roof was installed on this building.
Removal of interior debris, pigeon guano, and asbestos pipe wrap was completed by Northwoods Environmental Industries, Inc. of Ontonagon. Temporary Electrical power to the building was installed by Erico Electrical, Inc. of Hancock Michigan. This work involved coordinating work by UPPCO which also resulted in the removal of under-utilized power lines and transformers in the alley utility corridor. Custom metal bearing plates and tie rods were fabricated by Calumet Machine, and were used to anchor the east façade sandstone masonry wall to prevent failure. A rubber membrane roof was installed on this building.
This building is still in need of additional rehabilitation.
INTERESTED IN PURCHASING THIS PROPERTY?
The DDA has taken on ownership and stabilization of several buildings in an effort to prevent the loss of historic buildings and avoid further fragmentation of the downtown business district. It is therefore the policy of the DDA to hold these buildings until a viable development opportunity is found that will return these buildings to a condition and use that benefits the long term economic health of Calumet. To evaluate potential buyers the DDA utilizes a purchase proposal process.
The proposal guideline can be accessed by following the link below or by contacting the Village of Calumet.
The proposal guideline can be accessed by following the link below or by contacting the Village of Calumet.