The Chippewa County Historical Society will present its a Historic Preservation Award to J & C Development, LLC for the revitalization of the historic building at 824 Ashmun Street in downtown Sault Ste. Marie. The award will be formally presented on Thursday, August 29, at 11:00 a.m.

Constructed between 1902 and 1906, the building has a long and storied history, beginning with its first tenant, Rufus W. Pearce, Druggist. Over the decades it served the community as home to O’Neill Hardware, Lyon’s Hardware, several family-owned grocery stores, and later as a series of party stores, operating under various names until 2018.

In 2020, Justin and Caryn Knepper purchased the property and undertook a full, certified restoration and rehabilitation. Guided by historic photographs, the exterior was carefully restored to its original architectural style. The upstairs now features three beautifully restored apartments, while the main floor is home to Deep Roots Salon.

The Historical Society commends J & C Development for its dedication to preserving the city’s architectural heritage. “For your devotion to maintaining the historical integrity of our area, the Chippewa County Historical Society thanks you.”