Imagination Factory Community Center Reinvestment and Redevelopment of Existing Infrastructure Gives New Life to an Abandoned Building

The Imagination Factory Community Center in Iron Mountain was awarded a 1.3-million-dollar grant through the Community Center Grant program at the State of Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) in 2024. This funding gave the organization the opportunity to relocate and expand its programs and services to the community.

The redevelopment of the vacant Central Middle School reflects the organization’s commitment to reinvesting in and leveraging existing infrastructure and to preserving a historic building on the west side of Iron Mountain.

In addition to the grand funding, the Imagination Factory Community Center has raised funds through a capital campaign, receiving 175 donations from the community. The campaign runs through August 2026, with the money going toward completing the rehabilitation of the second and third floors and the playground.

This new expansion continues to foster community engagement and create shared spaces for learning and connection for children and youth from newborns through high school.

The transformation of its new space was made possible not only from grant money and the capital campaign, but also from the support of local businesses’ commitment to investing in the well-being of the Dickinson area today and for future generations.

The Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance has resources for developers, businesses and organizations looking to develop available properties and redevelop Brownfield properties. For more information, visit the Developer Tools section of our website.

For more information about The Imagination Factory Community Center, visit www.imaginationfactory.us.