Ludington council to consider tax break for historic building.

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief.

LUDINGTON — Ludington City Council will hold a public hearing tonight during its regular meeting to seek input on a proposal to establish an obsolete property rehabilitation district (OPRA) for the property at 102 Second Street. The property is owned by Nolan Family Investments LLC, which is operated by Edgar Struble.

Due to the building’s condition, it is considered obsolete by the city’s assessor, Brent Bosley. Establishing the OPRA would allow Struble to make improvements to the property but continue to pay property taxes for up to 12 years based on the property’s current value, a potential savings of $2,900 per year in taxes.

City Manager John Shay is recommending city council approve the request.

The building, located on the southeast corner of Washington Avenue and First Street, was building in 1872, making it one of the oldest buildings in the city and most likely the oldest commercial building.

Struble told MCP that he originally bought the building in 2003 as an investment. He has since sold the building twice on land contract and has regained possession of it each time.

He said he would like to turn the upstairs into apartments and then will leave the main floor mostly open, allowing a commercial tenant to build according to their specifications.

Struble said he expects to invest between $120,000 to $150,000 into updating the building. Struble is a resident of California but grew up in Mason County. In addition to owning a home in Ludington, he also owns properties in both Ludington and Scottville.

Following the public hearing the city council will vote on establishing the OPRA. Action on Struble’s actual request will take place at another meeting.

City council meets at 6:30 p.m. at Ludington city hall, 400 S. Harrison St.