IRON RIVER—Clean up of the historic Central School building will become a reality with the approval of a Brownfield loan from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to the city of Iron River’s Downtown Development Authority (DDA).

A kick-off meeting is set for Wednesday, Nov. 12, at 9 a.m. at Iron River City Hall here. The public is invited.

The DDA’s request for a Brownfield loan from the DEQ is for the purpose of cleaning up contamination at the Central School site.

“This is a critical time in our efforts to preserve this historical structure,” said Jim Gibula, DDA chairman. “The DDA, the Brownfield Authority and the City Council have worked many hours to make this dream a reality.”

Once the site is clean, the Hovey Companies will begin rehabilitating the school into affordable rental housing units.

“We are excited to be involved in this effort and full intend to begin construction as soon as the DEQ is satisfied that the site is clean,” said Tim Hunnicutt, vice president of the Hovey Companies.

The plan for reuse of the building includes space for 20 apartment units as well as commercial units on the lower level.

“The city has supported this project from the beginning. The Brownfield plan for the site was approved by the Brownfield Authority, which was the first step towards removing the environmental contaminants,” said Mayor Roger Zanon, adding, “In a few days, we will have the funds to do that.”

Ron Basso, DDA attorney, indicated that the terms of the DEQ loan are very favorable with no interest or payments required for the first five years.