ISHPEMING — The city of Ishpeming has approved a Community Development Block Grant application for the Mather Inn. “It’s going to assist with the restoration of the exterior facade of the building, including the decorative woodwork and the metalwork chandeliers,” said Robin Peterson, owner of the building. The grant includes $108,632 in state funds and a required private match of $106,633, for a total of $215,265. Although the grant includes no city money, the city is considered the grantee as the state cannot give the money directly, said City Manager Alan Bakalarski. The city will then enter into a three-part contract with Mather Inn Enterprises and a contractor, he added. The Mather Inn was one of the stops on the Ishpeming Area Historical Society’s Tour of Historic Homes Sunday, and close to 400 people attended — doubling last year’s attendance, said Mayor Gary Nelson. “There’s a huge interest within the city... and it showed on Sunday,” Nelson said.