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Students in field

Finlandia’s Jutila Center supporting local business

November 3, 2021

The Lily I. Jutila Center was renovated and reopened in 2005 to create a spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation in the community. The Jutila Center aims to nurture students in their transition from college to business along with providing a collaborative, experiential learning environment between students, faculty and industry to learn and apply the best sustainable business practices. The proud home of Finlandia’s International School of Art & Design, the Jutila Center holds state-of-the-art computer labs utilized by Finlandia and Copper Country ISD CTE program students. The highly regarded Fiber Arts Studio, located on the first floor, plays host to Festival Ruska’s Finnish American Folk School events each fall. Leasing office space to more than 30 service and retail businesses, the Jutila Center cultivates a space for local companies to innovate and thrive.

Located at 200 Michigan St. in Hancock, MI, the Jutila Center hosts the local favorite Kangas Cafe, offering delicious food and scenic views overlooking the Keweenaw Waterway. Tenants include various Finlandia departments, non-profit business and technology incubator MTEC SmartZone, wellness and design services along with insurance, engineering and law firm practices. One of the many businesses located on the lobby floor is A+ Pest Management, owned and operated by Kirk and Tami Hammel from Dollar Bay, MI. 

“It is a nice atmosphere at the Jutila Center. It’s nice to have the activity of other business and organizations and Finlandia students. And of course, the Kangas Café is right there!” Tami Hammel said. 

“The convenience of having our office at the Jutila Center allows us to fully focus on our business. Utilities, Plowing, Cleaning, Maintenance and IT is all taken care of by friendly and reliable staff. We have access to restrooms, a kitchen, conference rooms and a business center, including postal service. The building interior, exterior and the common areas are always CLEAN and neat and well maintained. Plenty of plowed parking close to the entrances. The facilities staff are extremely helpful and accommodating and friendly.”

The Jutila Center Maintenance team is led by Finlandia’s Chris Cornish, while the university’s Business Office Controller Cyril FoxPetrov manages the building and tenant relations.

“We have 360 views of the Keweenaw Waterway; you can see the bridge, you can see the cities of Houghton and Hancock, you can witness the weather and seasons changing,” FoxPetrov said. “One of the really great things about working with the people here is getting to see all of the new tenants come in, learning about their business, seeing how they want to grow their business and expand and then finding different ways we can help them. We are trying to make this a central hub in the Hancock, Houghton area. We have beautiful, newly renovated spaces available and extremely fast internet, so please reach out to me via email or directly by phone if you are interested.”

The Jutila Center also offers daily rental space for individuals and businesses to hold meetings or events with accommodations such as TV’s, projectors and table arrangements made upon request. The Lily I. Jutila Center is empowered by the principles of economic development to sustain and cultivate local business. 

Cyril FoxPetrov can be reached by email at cyril.foxpetrov@finlandia.edu or by phone at (906) 487-7360.

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