Bring Back Calumet Initiative

The Bring Back Calumet Initiative is a nationally recognized partnership of organizations dedicated to revitalizing downtown Calumet.

The Bring Back Calumet Initiative is a community-led effort dedicated to stabilizing, preserving, and redeveloping historic structures in downtown Calumet. The initiative protects Calumet’s National Historic Landmark District designation by restoring key landmarks, strengthening the local economy, and fostering community growth. Donate to the Bring Back Calumet project fund.

Over the past eight years, the initiative has:

  • Secured $9 million in historic preservation funding

  • Stabilized 12 historic buildings in downtown Calumet

  • Supported 17 new or expanding businesses

  • Received statewide and national recognition, including the Michigan Governor’s Award for Historic Preservation (2023) and the Vernacular Architecture Forum’s Advocacy Award (2024)

The Bring Back Calumet Initiative is a coalition of local and regional organizations working together to advance preservation and economic revitalization. Its members include:

  • Keweenaw Community Foundation

  • Village of Calumet and Downtown Development Authority (DDA)

  • Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance (KEDA)

  • Houghton County Land Bank Authority (HCLBA)

  • Keweenaw National Historical Park and Advisory Commission

  • Main Street Calumet, Inc.

Volunteers cleaning out the Ruppe Building.

About the Save the Ruppe Block Project

The Save the Ruppe Block project is a cornerstone effort of the Bring Back Calumet Initiative, focused on preserving and redeveloping one of Calumet’s most significant historic buildings. The Ruppe Block, located at 211-213 5th Street in downtown Calumet, is a three-story, 15,000-square-foot structure built in the 1870s, standing as a symbol of Calumet’s industrial past and architectural craftsmanship.

Situated in the Calumet Historic Landmark District, this building played a vital role in the town’s copper boom era and remains an essential part of the Keweenaw National Historical Park. An estimated $700,000 is needed to save this building.

The Damage

The rear of the building has suffered extensive damage from years of water infiltration due to a failing roof. Key issues include:

  • Structural failures in at least 11 beams supporting the second and third floors.

  • A collapsed mezzanine floor in the rear.

  • Significant water damage affects over one-third of the structure.

The current owner has invested over $125,000 in interim stabilization but can no longer continue repairs. To ensure its preservation and future redevelopment, the owner has agreed to transfer the property to the Village of Calumet Downtown Development Authority (DDA).

Why Save the Ruppe Block?

Volunteers cleaning out the Ruppe Building.

The Ruppe Block is a key part of the Keweenaw National Historical Park, showcasing craftsmanship and America’s industrial heritage. Despite its condition, the arched terracotta facade and ornate metal cornice remain in excellent shape and are worth preserving.

Immediate action is needed to prevent collapse, which could harm people and nearby properties. Instead of spending heavily on demolition and losing an irreplaceable historic asset, we can revitalize the building to create 8 housing units, 2,500 sq. ft. of commercial space, and on-site parking—transforming a liability into a community asset.

The Ruppe Block is a powerful symbol of Calumet’s rich heritage and its designation as a National Historic Landmark District. It highlights the town’s critical role in America’s industrial growth as a hub of the copper industry.

The Restoration Plan

To preserve the Ruppe Block, the project will proceed in carefully planned phases:

Phase I – Emergency Stabilization Winter 2024 | $200,000

  • Volunteer-supported cleanout of the building (completed by members of the Michigan Tech University Army ROTC program)

  • Installation of temporary stabilization supports to prevent further collapse — Initial stabilization and cleanout is underway

  • Placement of a protective layer over the roof to mitigate further water damage

Phase II – Structural Restoration | $500,000

  • Construction of a permanent back wall (masonry in the basement, framed walls on upper floors)

  • Demolition and backfill of the damaged rear section to create parking space

  • Roof replacement on the front half of the structure to ensure long-term stability

Phase III – Redevelopment (Funding Need TBD)

  • Attracting a developer to complete the transformation

  • Creation of eight housing units and at least two commercial spaces

Volunteers cleaning out the Ruppe Building.

FAQs: Understanding the Ruppe Building Preservation Effort

  • The Ruppe Building is a cornerstone of Calumet's National Historic Landmark District, reflecting the town's role in America’s industrial growth during the copper boom.

    Its iconic architecture, including an arched terracotta façade and ornate metal cornice, exemplifies Calumet’s rich history and craftsmanship. Built in the 1870s and expanded in the 1890s, it is a beautiful structure in the downtown landscape.

  • Years of water infiltration have caused significant damage to the building’s rear, including a collapsed mezzanine floor, failed beams, and severe water damage affecting over one-third of the structure's back. Despite this, the front portion remains relatively dry and stable, and the terracotta facade is in good condition.

  • The project will proceed in phases as funding allows. Each phase is further broken down into smaller tasks that will be completed as each funding goal is reached. Cleanout work has already been completed to make construction work easier and safer. As of 1/8/25, $25,600 has been committed. 

    • Phase I: Stabilization ($200,000)

    • Phase II: Restoration ($604,500)

  • The Bring Back Calumet Initiative is leading the effort with support from the Keweenaw Community Foundation. The Initiative task force is comprised of representatives from the Village of Calumet Downtown Development Authority (DDA), the Village of Calumet, Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance (KEDA), Main Street Calumet Inc., the Keweenaw National Historical Park (KNHP), Calumet Township, Houghton County Land Bank Authority (HCLBA), and the Keweenaw National Historical Park Advisory Commission (KNHPAC). 

  • Demolition would destroy a piece of Calumet’s historic fabric, leaving a void in the downtown district.

    Stabilizing and redeveloping the Ruppe Building aligns with the community’s broader preservation and economic growth goals. Additionally, demolition is costly—estimates indicate that demolition could approach or even exceed the cost of stabilization. Once demolished, rebuilding with comparable materials would also be prohibitively expensive, eliminating the opportunity to reuse this historic structure.

  • The current owner of the Ruppe Building has made significant efforts to stabilize the property, investing $125,000 to slow the building's deterioration. However, the owner is no longer able to continue the rehabilitation process. As a result, the Village of Calumet Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has entered into an agreement with the property owner to take ownership of the building.

    The DDA will not take ownership of the property until the building is adequately stabilized, reducing potential liability to the DDA. This careful approach ensures that the structure will be in a safer, more manageable condition before the DDA officially assumes ownership.

  • The Bring Back Calumet Initiative is a multi-agency task force focused on the redevelopment of properties in Calumet, Michigan. Members include the Village of Calumet, Village of Calumet DDA, Houghton County Land Bank Authority, Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance, Main Street Calumet, Inc., Calumet Township, Keweenaw National Historical Park, and the Keweenaw National Historial Park Advisory Commission.

    The task force has successfully driven over $9 million in historic preservation efforts in the past eight years, stabilizing 12 buildings and fostering a resurgence in downtown Calumet. The group has also received accolades, such as the Michigan Governor’s Award for Historic Preservation in 2023 and the Vernacular Architecture Forum’s (VAF) Advocacy Award in 2024.

  • The current owner has already invested over $125,000 in stabilization efforts but no longer can undertake the extensive repairs needed.

    Recognizing the building’s significance, the owner has agreed to transfer it to a public entity to ensure its preservation and future redevelopment. The owner’s cooperation reflects a commitment to the building’s legacy despite personal financial constraints.

  • The Village has taken significant steps to address blight and prevent similar situations in the future. This includes hiring a blight enforcement officer, updating ordinances to strengthen enforcement mechanisms, and working with property owners to encourage timely maintenance. The Bring Back Calumet Taskforce also proactively identifies at-risk properties and collaborates with partners to stabilize and redevelop them before they reach critical condition. These measures are part of a broader strategy to preserve the historic fabric of Calumet while fostering economic growth.

  • The consequences could be severe if the Ruppe Building collapses before stabilization efforts are completed. A collapse would pose significant safety risks to nearby properties and pedestrians.

    It would also result in permanently losing an irreplaceable historic structure, undermining the integrity of the downtown historic district. The cost of clearing the debris and addressing collateral damage would likely surpass the price of the initial stabilization and will be the property owner's responsibility.

  • Once stabilized, the building will be available for redevelopment. Ideally transitioning into mixed-use space, offering up to eight residential units and 2,500 square feet of commercial space. This aligns with Calumet’s vision for revitalizing downtown and supporting community growth.

  • Residents can contribute by donating to the stabilization fund, volunteering for cleanout efforts, or spreading awareness about the project.

Donor Recognition Program—Supporting the Revitalization of the Historic Ruppe Building

We will update the donor list periodically.

  • KEYSTONE SUPPORTER DONORS:

    • The Maas Family

    • Ryan L. Polk — In Honor of Anges Ruppe Polk

    DONOR RECOGNITION:

    • Recognition in press materials.

    • Exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Ruppe Building with project leaders.

    • Featured donor spotlight on social media and the project webpage, plus name listing in printed materials.

    • Framed certificate of appreciation.

    • Inclusion in periodic project updates via e-newsletter.

  • CORNERSTONE PARTNER DONORS:

    • Keweenaw National Historical Park Advisory Commission

    • Village of Calumet Downtown Development Authority

    • Rebecca Hovis

    • Anonymous

    DONOR RECOGNITION:

    • Framed certificate of appreciation.

    • Name listed as a donor on the project webpage, in printed materials, and in social media acknowledgments.

    • Inclusion in periodic project updates via e-newsletter.

  • COMMUNITY BUILDER DONORS:

    • Jeff Ratcliffe

    • Karen H. Rothenberger

    • Philip G. Sells

    • Carole Kitti

    • Anonymous

    DONOR RECOGNITION:

    • Name listed on the project webpage, in printed materials, and in social media acknowledgments. 

    • Personalized thank-you letter from project leaders.

    • Inclusion in periodic project updates via e-newsletter.

  • FRIENDS OF THE RUPPE DONORS:

    • Tom Tikkanen

    • Ron Okuda

    • Kin Ship - Andrew Ranville and Anna Sysling-Ranville

    • Alexis Dahl

    • Janet T. Kilpatrick (In Honor of Nikki Madisen)

    • Bevier Family

    DONOR RECOGNITION:

    • Recognition on the project webpage.

    • Name included in a community donor acknowledgement post on social media.

    • Inclusion in periodic project updates via e-newsletter.

  • PRESERVATION ADVOCATE DONORS:

    • Lorri Oikarinen

    • Brendan Fisher

    • Colin Hanson

    • A Fan of Alexis Dahl’s YouTube Channel

    • Andrew Petik

    • Buda

    • Yale Evans

    • Doug Harris

    • Benjamin Kaufman

    • Kathryn Mace

    • Gregg Rauscher

    • Duane Reyhl

    • Nick Scheiblauer

    • Hopeful Donor

    • Steve Thomas Schowiak

    • Charles G. Stuart

    • The Ganems

    • Kathleen Simmerman

    • Michael Gregory

    • Fredrik Hendeberg

    • Admirer of Alexis’ love of Michigan

    • Carl Koerschner

    • Kyle Parton

    • Paula Rexer

    • David Van Fleet

    • In Memory of Alice Doney Olgren

    • Joseph Leland Blaim

    • Jeff Forrette, In Memory of Mariano Lanoce

    • Marty Hayden

    • Marcia Kearney

    • John G. LaBine, In Honor of Eleanor Demarois

    • Elise Matz

    • Rondi Olson

    • Joe Rapp

    • Sarah Schumm

    • David Shriver

    • Donna Simons, In Memory of Frank Searight

    • Michal Sprague

    • Wesley Robert Thompson

    • Donna Trudell

    • Glenn R Wichman

    • Cathy Willey, In Memory of Dale & Carol Plante

    • Adam Zavadil

    • Ronald Okuda

    • Julie Neva Anema (Native)

    • Joseph Alfred Merrill III

    • Michael Warot

    • The NC Ellis Family

    • Jeremy Churchman

    • David Ruff Jr.

    • Ronald P. White

    • Nathan Pipe

    • Alan Davis

    • Deacon Jeremiah Mason

    • Pamela Harland Wollert, 2nd Great Granddaughter of Henrik Roanpaa

    • Nick Saenz

    • Andrew MacDonald

    • Jill Boudreau

    • Christopher Angove

    • Phillip E. Dascola

    • Sam Raymond and Shelby Laubhan

    • Christopher Ryan Schwartz

    • Eric Tov

    • Shirley Reed

    • Kelly Gravelyn

    • Jonathan Lovelace

    • Sharon Garnett

    • Matz-Kuriluk

    • The Nick and Megan Thomas Family

    • Crimmins and Armstrong

    • Carol Roose

    • Demetrios Slocum Kaltas

    • Eric Swiecki

    • Robert Thiele

    • Keith Kreag

    • James Stock

    • Christine Frazzini

    • Matthew Derosier

    • Michael Destrampe

    • Cheryl Vincent

    • John Wenskovitch Jr.

    • John Ralinovsky

    • Boris Glebov

    • Gretchen Pineo

    • Nathaniel Bezanson

    • David Moorman

    • Susan Sachnik (In memory of Linda (Tauriainen) Wilson

    • Ryan Fleischmann (In memory of his Uncle Dave, who loved all places in the UP)

    • Amanda Baker

    • Kole Wernert

    • Corinne Smith

    • Christopher Schmidt

    • David Hazen Weaver (In memory of Gwennyth MacPhail)

    • Sarah Scarlett

    • Curt Stauffer

    • Derek Chapel

    • Chris Hsu

    • Sharon Rose Ferraro

    • Louann Steele

    • Michael William Long

    • Christopher Ryan Schwartz

    • Sam Raymond

    • Eric Tov

    • Shirley Reed

    • Kelly Gravelyn

    • Jonathan Lovelace

    • Sharon Garnett

    • Chris Hsu

    • Keith Johnson

    • Expedition Inn

    • Rob Guston

    • David Garcia

    • David James D’Arcy

    • James Davidson

    • William C. Eade - In Memory of Russell Eade

    • Tyler Bevier

    • Valerie Amo

    • Debra Goodcourage

    DONOR RECOGNITION:

    • Name included in a community donor acknowledgment post on social media.

    • Inclusion in periodic project updates via e-newsletter.

How You Can Help

The Save the Ruppe Block project relies on community support. Every contribution brings this historic building one step closer to stabilization and redevelopment.

  • Donate today to the Bring Back Calumet Initiative Fund through the Keweenaw Community Foundation. Linked below.

  • Spread the word about this critical preservation effort.

  • Get involved with local restoration and volunteer opportunities.

Ruppe Legacy Challenge Match

The Bring Back Calumet Taskforce is celebrating a major milestone in the effort to save the historic Ruppe Block. A generous $10,000 donation from a Ruppe family member has sparked new momentum toward the project’s $200,000 Phase I stabilization goal. To honor this gift and accelerate restoration efforts, the Taskforce has launched the Ruppe Legacy Challenge Match, inviting the community to help match the $10,000 donation and strengthen the next phase of work to protect the building from further deterioration.

“This gift reflects the deep roots the Ruppe family still has in Calumet and the connection so many people have to this community,” said Jeff Ratcliffe of the Bring Back Calumet Taskforce. “Their support affirms that these buildings are worth saving and that Calumet’s story continues to inspire across generations.”

Your support today helps stabilize the Ruppe building, preserve its copper-country heritage, and lay the foundation for future redevelopment.

Donations

On the page below, please indicate your donation to the Bring Back Calumet Initiative Fund. Include any additional notes, add the donation to your cart, and check out when you are finished making donation selections. 

If you prefer to send a check, please indicate “Bring Back Calumet Fund” on the memo line and send checks to: Keweenaw Community Foundation, PO BOX 265 Hancock, MI 49930.

DONATE TO THE FUND