SAULT STE. MARIE, MICH. — The Chippewa County Historical Society recently presented its Historic Preservation Award to Sanderson Land Management for their work in revitalizing the John Quinn Eagle Saloon Building.

The building, located at 111 Ashmun Street, was erected in 1901 by John Quinn. The architect was M.J. Shirley. Quinn built the structure to house his Eagle Saloon, a business he had previously operated in several other locations. He included what were known as “sporting rooms” on the second floor.

Over the years, the building has housed a cigar factory, a bingo hall, the local branch of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the offices of the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society, and those of numerous attorneys, including Samuel S. Platt, Platt & Platt, Platt & Denney, John Peacock, Lowell Ulrich, Ferrell Elliott, Lyle Peck, Guy Lewinski, Paul Brewster, and Katheryn Meninga.

Danna and Terry Sanderson bought the building in 2018. It was the latest in a series of historic structures the Sandersons have purchased and renovated.

For this project, the Sandersons worked to preserve any remaining historic elements while meeting all local and state building codes. During the process, they removed drop ceilings, carpeting, and paneling, revealing high ceilings, maple floors, an antique brick wall, a wall of transom windows, and metal crossbeams that support the entire structure. The renovation took two years and resulted in a retail space, several offices, and a one-bedroom apartment on the second floor.

The presentation was made on Friday, June 20 by members of the historical society. Other community members were also in attendance.

The new store, Winding Road Collective, features outdoors-themed items for people of all ages, with an emphasis on locally made products.