Published: Jan. 30, 2024 at 6:23 PM EST
HANCOCK, Mich. (WLUC) – The aging Jutila Center in Hancock previously owned by Finlandia University is set for a new look.
This historic building was built in 1949. Moyle Development said the building was operating at a yearly loss of $300,000. Steve Aho is the Facilities Manager at Moyle. He said the outside of the building will see upgrades before interior renovation.
“We feel like we have a really good plan in place that is taking shape. We want to do some energy and efficiency upgrades to the building itself. We also want to give it a facelift and make it something that is more attractive to potential tenants,” Aho said.
The last time the Jutila Center saw renovation was minor exterior work 20 years ago. Moyle plans to install new windows, a new roof and exterior insulation on top of a new exterior design. Aho said keeping the building will bring more economic opportunity to Hancock.
“There is and could have been an enormous cost just to have it sitting there. deteriorating, or to remove it, take it down. So, it makes sense if there is a financially viable option to bring more economic development to the city of Hancock, primarily,” Aho said.
Moyle said it plans to turn the center into a multi-purpose building ranging from lab spaces to housing. Aho said the company will be actively involved with the Hancock community to bring this building to a new level.
“I am just excited about the whole thing because we have our first renderings of how the proposed building is going to look. I think there is a lot of excitement from people in the community,” Aho said.
Moyle has not stated when renovations will start.
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