Frequently Asked Questions:
Who are the Friends of the Ore Dock BotEco Center?
Friends of Ore Dock BotEco Center is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit led by a group of citizens who seek to repurpose an iconic structure in Marquette, Michigan for the benefit of the public. BotEco = Botanical + Ecological.
Friends of Ore Dock BotEco Center is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit led by a group of citizens who seek to repurpose an iconic structure in Marquette, Michigan for the benefit of the public. BotEco = Botanical + Ecological.
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What does BotEco hope to accomplish?
Our mission is to start with a historic retired industrial site and transform it to a community center that will offer:
Our board realizes that this vision will take considerable time and resources to complete. We will accomplish this with a series of phases, beginning with a boardwalk through the center and/or around the exterior and finishing with an enclosed structure, complete with an event space and botanical gardens. For more information about our vision, check out our Plans page. To learn about recent successes, stay tuned with News and Updates. |
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How long has BotEco been operating and who is on the board?
The organization has been recognized as a 501(c)(3) non-profit since 2012. Members of the board are drawn from a wide range of interests and specialties.
The organization has been recognized as a 501(c)(3) non-profit since 2012. Members of the board are drawn from a wide range of interests and specialties.
Who owns the dock and who would control its operations in the future?
The City of Marquette owns the dock and the State of Michigan via the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) owns the lake bed upon which the dock sets. That would continue to be the case in the future, with the possibility that operations would be facilitated by a non-profit partner, similar to the arrangement the City has with the local YMCA.
What is the City’s plan for the dock?
Planning so far been largely informational and centered around creating a boardwalk or adjacent marina. The City’s Master Plan calls for a visioning process regarding its future disposition.
The City of Marquette owns the dock and the State of Michigan via the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) owns the lake bed upon which the dock sets. That would continue to be the case in the future, with the possibility that operations would be facilitated by a non-profit partner, similar to the arrangement the City has with the local YMCA.
What is the City’s plan for the dock?
Planning so far been largely informational and centered around creating a boardwalk or adjacent marina. The City’s Master Plan calls for a visioning process regarding its future disposition.
What is the current condition of the ore dock and how much repair is required?
In 2015, The City of Marquette hired GEI Consultants to conduct an analysis of its condition, which revealed that the structure is in excellent condition and could be repurposed in a variety of ways. Spalling of concrete is minimal and the timbers are in good shape. A relatively minimal amount of repair would be required to ensure public safety. Read the full analysis here or watch the video.
What about the Bottomlands Agreement and other regulatory issues?
The Bottomlands Agreement is a contract between the Michigan DEQ and the City of Marquette which specifies that the ore dock may only be repurposed in an “overall beneficial nature [that] is a water dependent use." It must remain as a windbreak for Lower Harbor and be accessible for public use. In 2018, the Michigan DEQ and City of Marquette officially approved the necessary amendments to the Bottomlands Agreement, allowing BotEco to proceed with the next stages of development. A copy of the agreement is posted on the City’s website.
In 2015, The City of Marquette hired GEI Consultants to conduct an analysis of its condition, which revealed that the structure is in excellent condition and could be repurposed in a variety of ways. Spalling of concrete is minimal and the timbers are in good shape. A relatively minimal amount of repair would be required to ensure public safety. Read the full analysis here or watch the video.
What about the Bottomlands Agreement and other regulatory issues?
The Bottomlands Agreement is a contract between the Michigan DEQ and the City of Marquette which specifies that the ore dock may only be repurposed in an “overall beneficial nature [that] is a water dependent use." It must remain as a windbreak for Lower Harbor and be accessible for public use. In 2018, the Michigan DEQ and City of Marquette officially approved the necessary amendments to the Bottomlands Agreement, allowing BotEco to proceed with the next stages of development. A copy of the agreement is posted on the City’s website.
What other plans have been suggested for the ore dock and why is BotEco’s plan preferable?
Several ideas have been presented to the City that would enhance the local tax base, such as condominiums and retail space. Such proposals have not been able to satisfy the Bottomlands Agreement. Our plan has a number of distinct advantages. It will be a multi-purpose facility that retains the iconic and cultural nature of the existing structure and would relate to other historical attractions in the area, such as the Iron Ore Heritage Trail. It will attract tourism that will result in increased profit for surrounding businesses. It will also expand downtown green space and public shoreline and offer a winter refuge.
What might the BotEco structure look like?
Our goal is to honor the history of the ore dock by maintaining the rustic appearance of the current structure. This means the Center will look similar to its original state from a distance, unless an atrium is added on the top of the structure. Up close and functionally, BotEco will be a remarkable transformation that will attract people far and wide.
What infrastructure is needed for the facility and how is that feasible in Marquette’s climate?
The amount of heating and cooling needed is completely dependent on how much climate-controlled space is developed. As for size comparison, the Superior Dome has more than 4 times the interior volume of the ore dock and is heated through the harshest of winters. Our vision calls for a combination of traditional and innovative sources of climate controls that could possibly utilize wind, solar, wave and geothermal energy.
How much will BotEco cost and where will financing come from?
This is an ambitious project, and funding needs are significant. Costs might start at $5 million for the boardwalk, dock-to-shore connector, and amphitheater, and may be up to $90 million for full enclosure of the structure and development of indoor spaces. None of this will be born via tax increases or municipal bonding. Funding will be diversified and may come from donations, grants, and endowments. Once constructed, the facility will be maintained and operated through facility rentals, non-profit endowments, memberships, and other sustainable income sources.
Could BotEco’s plan be modified with additional input?
We are open to any suggestions that fit within our four pillars. If you would like to get involved, please contact us.
Several ideas have been presented to the City that would enhance the local tax base, such as condominiums and retail space. Such proposals have not been able to satisfy the Bottomlands Agreement. Our plan has a number of distinct advantages. It will be a multi-purpose facility that retains the iconic and cultural nature of the existing structure and would relate to other historical attractions in the area, such as the Iron Ore Heritage Trail. It will attract tourism that will result in increased profit for surrounding businesses. It will also expand downtown green space and public shoreline and offer a winter refuge.
What might the BotEco structure look like?
Our goal is to honor the history of the ore dock by maintaining the rustic appearance of the current structure. This means the Center will look similar to its original state from a distance, unless an atrium is added on the top of the structure. Up close and functionally, BotEco will be a remarkable transformation that will attract people far and wide.
What infrastructure is needed for the facility and how is that feasible in Marquette’s climate?
The amount of heating and cooling needed is completely dependent on how much climate-controlled space is developed. As for size comparison, the Superior Dome has more than 4 times the interior volume of the ore dock and is heated through the harshest of winters. Our vision calls for a combination of traditional and innovative sources of climate controls that could possibly utilize wind, solar, wave and geothermal energy.
How much will BotEco cost and where will financing come from?
This is an ambitious project, and funding needs are significant. Costs might start at $5 million for the boardwalk, dock-to-shore connector, and amphitheater, and may be up to $90 million for full enclosure of the structure and development of indoor spaces. None of this will be born via tax increases or municipal bonding. Funding will be diversified and may come from donations, grants, and endowments. Once constructed, the facility will be maintained and operated through facility rentals, non-profit endowments, memberships, and other sustainable income sources.
Could BotEco’s plan be modified with additional input?
We are open to any suggestions that fit within our four pillars. If you would like to get involved, please contact us.
