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There was good news at Ely’s city council meeting Tuesday, with the approval of a development agreement between the city of Ely and the company owned by Matt Stupnik, who is looking to turn the Community Center building into a boutique hotel.
Vacant for the last decade of so, the building known as the CC seems destined for new life.
Times change and while the building will no longer be used as it once was, it also will no longer be an empty eyesore.
The development agreement and a successful application for some redevelopment funds from the IRRRB will pave the way for a much larger private investment, and a historic community landmark will have a new purpose.
Where previous attempts to repurpose the building have failed, Stupnik’s push seems to have legs and we applaud him both for his drive, and for his investment in Ely.
While we collectively believe in Ely’s future and hope for a more stable economy, more good-paying jobs, more young families and more children in our schools, investment such as this marks a serious belief in Ely.
And the CC investment doesn’t stand alone.
A couple of streets over, the old Depot, which more recently was home to Wilderness Outfitters, is also being repurposed with plans for a grand facility that would truly be a gem if it comes to pass.
Add the Silver Rapids project to the mix, along with the continued investments in Ely made by the business owners who choose to set up shop here, and it reflects a commitment not only to the community, but a true “put your money where your mouth is” moment that shows a belief that good days are in Ely’s future.
It’s easy to find naysayers for any new project, and it’s easy to say “not in my backyard” and step up to oppose change or anything that may result in more people or more jobs in the region.
The city of Ely has been supportive of the CC and Depot developments and we’re hopeful Lake County will stand firm and allow Silver Rapids to proceed.
Standing pat is a sure path to nowhere and investments such as the CC, Depot and Silver Rapids are to be applauded - not blockaded - if we are to progress, survive and thrive.
