Bring Back Calumet Initiative Update
The following updates were submitted by the Bring Back Calumet Initiative on September 10, 2025.
We are excited to share some wonderful momentum for the Ruppe Building project!
Recently, science communicator and YouTube creator Alexis Dahl visited Calumet and featured the Ruppe. Her thoughtful storytelling about the history of our community and the importance of preserving the Ruppe has reached thousands of viewers. Thanks to the attention her video has brought, the Bring Back Calumet Fund has received over $17,000 in contributions! This is a huge step forward in saving this historic building! We are deeply grateful to Alexis for amplifying our story, and to all of you who have responded with such generosity.
On-the-Ground Progress
In addition to the incredible community support, physical work at the Ruppe Building is moving forward:
Superior Polymer covered approximately 4,400 s.f. of the roof with silicone. While not a perfect fix, the third floor is noticeably drier—especially on the front half of the building.
Screened ventilation was installed on the second and third floors, helping reduce the building’s moisture load and improve airflow.
One more dump trailer load of debris was removed, with another load staged on the first floor for removal.
This ventilation and additional cleanout work required 56 hours of donated time—a testament to the dedication of our volunteers and partners.
On June 3rd, the Ruppe Block was featured during the Calumet Media Familiarization Tour, giving visiting journalists and media professionals a first-hand look at the project and the building’s history. This visit is helping generate more awareness and media coverage for the Ruppe and the Bring Back Calumet Initiative.
These steps are crucial in stabilizing the Ruppe as we continue to plan for long-term preservation and reuse.
What Still Needs to Be Done
While we’ve made great progress, much work lies ahead to ensure the Ruppe Building’s survival and future use. Upcoming priorities include:
Comprehensive roof replacement to permanently stop water damage.
Structural stabilization of the upper floors and masonry to secure the building.
Environmental cleanup and interior repairs to make the space safe and usable.
Planning for future redevelopment, ensuring the Ruppe can once again serve the Calumet community.
Each of these steps requires resources and support—and with your continued help, we will get there.
Donor Recognition
Your generosity is making a difference! We are honored to recognize those who have stepped up in support of the Ruppe Building through the Bring Back Calumet Fund.
Thank you for helping us Bring Back Calumet! Your generosity is preserving our history, protecting our heritage, and inspiring hope for the future.
