Island Visitors See Business Changes for This Summer

The opening of the Mustang Lounge May 9 packed the renovated and enlarged facility, which includes a new patio dining area, seen here at left. (Photo by Mary McGuire Slevin) Perhaps the most noticeable change this summer on Mackinac Island is the Marina, which is undergoing a $5 million renovation. The target date to open the marina is June 7, while slip reservations will be available by June 15, said Tom Paquin, Department of Natural Resources supervisor of the marina, in Cheboygan.

"Work is moving along well," said Mr. Paquin, who hopes to open sooner than the expected date.

The project, which started last September, included rebuilding slips and riprap work, dredging, upgrading the marina electrical system, installing artificial stone block walls and fences, rebuilding the marina office and supply shed, and landscaping.

The marina has 63 transient slips and 13 seasonal slips.

Pat Rogers of Cheboygan has replaced Charlie Maltby as the marina harbormaster. His first day of work was Monday, May 5. He previously worked at Tahquamenon Falls State Park. Mr. Maltby is working at Straits State Park in St. Ignace.

Another noticeable difference in the bay is the restoration of Union Terminal Piers' historic coal dock, which is expected to be finished this fall. Renovation began in summer 2005.

Arnold Transit is expecting to move its freight operations from its main dock and onto the coal dock when the project is finished, said General Manger Bob Brown. There are no plans for use of the end of the main dock, where the freight operation is now.

Although the coal dock has been owned by the Arnold company for more than 100 years, it was built separately from the Arnold dock and competed with the larger pier through the 1800s, according to Town Crier history columnist Frank Straus. Captain James Bennett owned the dock during the Civil War era. Back then, the dock was called Bennett's Wharf, and Arnold Transit's main dock was called Hoban's Wharf.

In the downtown area, a long-time local favorite bar, Mustang Lounge on Astor Street, has been rebuilt and is under new management. Maverick Construction finished the job in time for the Mustang to open Friday, May 9.

Edward's Gifts, next to the Mustang, received a new exterior and interior renovation over the winter, orchestrated by Matt Myers and crew.

Dr. Karen Miljour is the new full time, year-around physician at Mackinac Island Medical Center, replacing Dr. Don Weersing, who has transferred to the Mackinac Straits Hospital emergency room in St. Ignace. Dr. Miljour is originally from Pinconning, but came from Powers to Mackinac Straits Hospital in February. She began work April 23.

The former one-story Medical Center, just down the street from the current one on Market Street is being remodeled for two apartments and a 16-person dormitory to house police.

The $500,000 remodeling of the Mackinac Island Airport terminal is also nearing completion. Completion is expected by summer, with an official opening ceremony planned Friday, July 25.

The roof of the terminal is finished, airport manager Dennis Bradley said, and remaining odds and ends may be delayed as workers from Mackinac Island State Park open other park buildings for the summer. The airport project began in 2006, when electrical utilities were moved out of the building to a newly constructed electric vault hidden in trees nearby. The relocation opened up more space in the terminal.

A wrought iron fence, created by blacksmiths at last summer's blacksmith convention, will soon adorn the military veterans memorial at City Park on Market Street. Installation is expected this month.

The starting time for the annual Lilac Festival Parade may be moved from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. The Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau has yet to make an official change, however. The festival will be from Friday, June 6, to Sunday, June 15, with the parade to be held Sunday, June 15.

New businesses on the Island include:

• Kim Texeira's Sticky Paws dog boutique on Hoban Street, next to Central Savings Bank.

• Barnwell Landscape & Garden Services, owned by Jack Barnwell.

• Ben Nye of Great Turtle Toys is opening a custom flag and garden items store, called Flagship, at the former Gift Horse shop on the corner of Astor and Market streets, next to Yankee Rebel Tavern. He is holding a public contest to create a custom flag that will represent Mackinac Island. The winner, to be announced in October, will be awarded $500.

• Jeri-Lynn Bailey is expected to open a new store called Whimzys in the Lilac Tree Hotel complex, where her Christmas store used to be, in June.

• Famwood Construction, owned by Hugh Ravitz. Mr. Ravitz is the former owner of Mackinac Outfitters and Marine Supply. He sold his business to Sam Barnwell.

• Mr. Barnwell has moved the clothing store to the downtown area, in the former Magic Fashions business, near Lakeview Hotel. The marine supply business will still be just east of the marina, and is expected to open in June.

Jewel Geyer will be working with Millie's on Main restaurant this year, bringing with her menu items from her former Astor Street Cafe. Millie's offerings will be expanded with a full bar and dinner, said owner Brad Chambers.

Remodeling work for a third story at Village Inn Restaurant on Hoban Street is ongoing. Plans call for remodeling the second floor and converting one apartment to an office that will have access to a third floor addition of an apartment.

Chippewa Hotel is renovating many of its rooms, said General Manager Brian Bailey, and Lilac Tree Hotel is adding a couple's room in its Lilac Tree Spa.