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CALUMET - The revitalization of buildings in downtown Calumet is progressing, and despite the poor national and Michigan economies, Tom Tikkanen expects upgrades will continue in the village.

Tikkanen, executive director of Main Street Calumet, said besides the renovations of building facades downtown, stabilization efforts of buildings are continuing, including the former Paine Webber building on Fifth Street.

"They'll be bringing it to the point where it can satisfy a new owner," he said.

Many downtown building owners have used the Michigan State Housing Authority facade grants over the years, Tikkanen said, but MSHDA has begun a new program called the Neighborhood Stabilization Program. The program is aimed at helping communities tear down dilapidated or abandoned buildings, and it may be possible Calumet property owners could take advantage of it.

"We're not exactly sure how that will apply to our downtown, because we're not interested in demolishing buildings," he said.

However, Tikkanen said he'll contact MSHDA officials to determine if those funds could be used in Calumet.

"We have an excellent record of stretching funds," he said. "I'm hopeful MSHDA will allow us to utilize the (Neighborhood Stabilization Program) funds."

Besides the use of government funding for work on downtown buildings, Tikkanen said private investment in downtown is growing, also, with the recent expansion of some businesses, including the opening of Houghton business Sounds & Motion on Sixth Street.

"We're very excited about that," he said. "It will be good for downtown."

Festivals and events in downtown, including Pasty Fest, Heritage Day, the Great Deer Chase bicycle race and Great Bear Chase ski race, are still popular and are expanding, Tikkanen said, in great part because of the efforts of volunteers.

"I'm amazed at the volunteers that are coming together to take part, especially for our festivals," he said.

Tikkanen said the activities and revitalization efforts of downtown Calumet and the surrounding natural features aren't seen in many large urban areas of the country.

"Things we take for granted are quaint memories in other parts of the country," he said.

Kurt Hauglie can be reached at khauglie@mininggazette.com.