The City of Escanaba Planning Commission has conditionally approved a site plan for The Fire Station's 11th marijuana retail location at the former Hudson’s Classic Grill property. This decision clears a major hurdle after more than two years of delays caused by community opposition, access disputes, and expired permits. The approval signals expanding cannabis retail presence in Michigan's Upper Peninsula amid evolving local attitudes.
Years of Delays Stem from Neighbor Concerns
The property at 201 N. Lincoln Rd. has sat vacant since Hudson’s closed and sold it in October 2022 to S&W Real Estate, a sister company to The Fire Station LLC based in Marquette. Initial plans faced resistance during a November 2022 public hearing. DP Management, operator of nearby Delta Plaza Mall, worried that a cannabis dispensary could drive away tenant Hobby Lobby, which opposes marijuana retail near its stores.
Hobby Lobby's vice president of real estate, Randy Childers, wrote to the city that its outlets require first-class centers and avoid areas with what it deems lower-class operations. At the time, Escanaba had no off-tribal dispensaries beyond The Lume. The Fire Station secured approvals in July 2023, but those lapsed due to distractions from a Menominee project, as explained in an April 2025 letter to the city.
Traffic Study Shapes Revised Access Plan
Parking and entry constraints prolonged the stalemate, as the site relied on an expired mall lot easement that Delta Plaza refused to renew. City officials also flagged potential traffic backups on Lincoln Road. A 2023 study by Fishbeck proposed solutions, including a one-way clockwise pattern with new entry on 1st Avenue North and exit onto Lincoln Road.
The approved May 8 plan follows this approach, retaining the original building footprint. Commission members required a curb cut on the egress to enforce right turns only. Fire Station co-CEO Stosh Wasik told commissioners that traffic at dispensaries has eased with more outlets near the Wisconsin border, reflecting industry maturation.
Expansion Reflects Upper Peninsula Cannabis Growth
The Fire Station, co-owned by Wasik and Logan Stauber, operates 10 Upper Peninsula stores in Hannahville, Houghton, Iron River, Ironwood, Ishpeming, Marquette, Menominee, Munising, Negaunee, and Sault Ste. Marie. Industry sources recognize it as a strong employer with flexible schedules and full benefits. Past city presentations emphasized good-neighbor commitments from Wasik and compliance associate Lauren Spoehr.
Chief Marketing Officer Kelsey Potes offered no timeline but confirmed ongoing due diligence. The project underscores tensions between cannabis businesses and traditional retail, even as legalization reshapes commercial landscapes. Right-only exits and one-way flow address lingering safety worries, paving the way for construction.
