Argall Real Estate Group

Call him “West End Ben.” Born and raised in Marquette County and the founder of Argall Real Estate Group and NextHome Superior Living in Negaunee, Ben Argall is known by that name around the U.P. thanks to the difference he’s making in the West End of Marquette County. From a young age, Argall had an interest in renovations and construction, which along with a zest for design, historic preservation and the U.P. led to his current career as a real estate broker.

That passion for historic preservation and real estate is apparent in Argall’s first big project in downtown Negaunee, which transformed a long-neglected historic building at 209 Gold Street into a fully renovated commercial headquarters for NextHome Superior Living.

A high priority for the community and region, the project received support from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) with a $236,021 grant through the Build MI Community (BMC) Grant Initiative as well as locally through the Marquette County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority and DDA façade funding of $25,000. With total development cost for the project estimated at over $700,000, MEDC’s support helped to tip the scale toward a successful rehabilitation of the historic building.

“I would have been in a very tough financial situation if I didn’t receive the BMC grant,” said Argall. “This first development was a building from 1878, so when starting the demo inside, it led to many other issues that needed attention. At the end of the day, I truly got the building I dreamed of and love coming to work daily. Also, seeing the general public’s faces light up when walking to the space never gets old.”

Argall learned about his BMC grant approval while participating in the third season of HGTV’s design show Battle on the Beach, a beachfront property renovation series. He soon became a breakout favorite on the show, and his team won the Primary Suite Challenge; on his website, Argall reflects on the experience, saying it was “a celebration of collaboration, creativity [and] the art of transforming spaces under pressure.”

Despite the excitement of stardom, Argall says he was even more excited to get to work on his rehabilitation project back in Negaunee.

“I remember getting the email of my grant approval while filming the show and honestly, getting that email was more of a life-changing event than the show. Even though I am glad I did the show, the stress of the development and having the funds from the BMC grant made me more excited to get back home and work on the development project.”

Looking ahead, Argall is continuing his development journey, participating in the emerging developer networking events in Marquette County, lending his skills to the City of Ishpeming Planning Commission and working with the MEDC’s Redevelopment Services Team on predevelopment assistance for another project. 

“I will continue to rely on the MEDC for future projects and help other local business owners and developers alike know about their programs. I was lucky to help consult with another local business owner for a restaurant/event space buildout in a historic building and they were successful getting a $350,000 BMC grant. Helping these business owners through the pro forma and getting approval is amazing, and l just know how much the community will be thrilled to have another food option in town and enjoy one of our crown jewels in our downtown being fully used.”