For William Anderson and Lisa Petersen, it was love at first sight when they first walked through The Mather Inn. The historic property, located in Ishpeming, immediately captured their imagination with its grand architecture, generous space, and deep sense of history. Like many older buildings, however, the inn needed thoughtful updates to bring it fully into the present while preserving the character that made it so special in the first place.
From the beginning, Anderson and Petersen were intentional about how they approached those improvements. A major focus became saving money by saving energy. Through Mather Hospitality, they partnered with their local utility provider, Upper Peninsula Power Company (UPPCO), to identify creative and practical ways to reduce energy use across the property. Together, they explored efficiencies in refrigerat
ion, cooking equipment, heating and cooling systems, and even ice production—areas that can quietly drive up costs in hospitality businesses.
UPPCO didn’t just offer advice; it became an active partner in the transformation. The utility recommended energy-saving equipment and then teamed up with Northern Initiatives to help make those upgrades possible through zero-interest loans, with the interest covered by UPPCO itself. That support helped prepare both the Mather Lounge and the Mather Tap Room to open their doors efficiently, sustainably, and ready to serve the community for years to come.
