Community revitalization projects to support continued economic growth, local vitality around Michigan

• Seven community development projects will generate $5.7 million in private investment • Impacted communities include Kalamazoo, Allegan, Hastings, Adrian, Calumet, Iron Mountain and Mason • Projects will bring needed housing, new vibrancy to downtowns across state

LANSING, Mich. – Projects that will support growth and economic recovery in seven communities including Kalamazoo, Adrian, Allegan, Calumet, Hastings, Iron Mountain, and Mason have received support from the Michigan Strategic Fund, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced today. In total, the projects are expected to generate a total private investment of $5.73 million and will bring new vitality and economic activity in downtowns across the state.

“Today’s MSF approvals demonstrate our continued focus on laying a path for economic growth and recovery in Michigan, while continuing to support the community projects that will secure the long-term economic health of our state,” said MEDC Senior Vice President of Community Development Michele Wildman. “We are pleased to work with our local partners on these projects, which will help make Michigan an even more attractive place to live, work, and play.”

615 Holdings, LLC and 10th Street Enterprises LLC plan to demolish a former auto shop and construct two mixed-use buildings near downtown Kalamazoo. When completed, the project will consist of commercial space and 18 residential units along with 40 parking spaces. The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $4.74 million and create seven full-time equivalent jobs, and will transform a blighted, vacant brownfield property into a mixed-use development that will increase density and connectivity to the downtown, promote walkability and serve as a catalyst for other economic activity in the area.

The project is consistent with MEDC’s goal of attracting talent through innovative placemaking and transforming underutilized properties into vibrant areas. As a result, the project has been awarded a $750,000 Michigan Community Revitalization Program performance-based grant.

“The building project located at 615 W. Kalamazoo will revitalize the gateway of the Historic Stuart Street Neighborhood and will highlight the growing redevelopment of the surrounding community. The inter-connected location will provide, high-quality market apartments and class A commercial spaces designed with a working/living experience in mind,” said Phillip Reed of Reed Law. “The project will strive to attract individuals and businesses alike looking for an intimate connection with Kalamazoo. Bosch Architecture’s classic building design will facilitate a seamless transition between the historic Stuart neighborhood and the revitalized downtown Kalamazoo areas. We are thankful for the support of MEDC that helped transfer this conceptual dream into a reality.”

The city of Adrian has been awarded $242,790 in federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for a rental rehabilitation project in downtown Adrian. The project includes the renovation of two vacant upper floors within two historic buildings located at 150 N. Main and 109 N. Main into four new residential apartments, three of which will be reserved for low- to moderate-income households. The CDBG funds will be used for construction activities required to convert the vacant space into residential housing. The project is expected to generate a total private investment of $219,053 and will bring new economic activity and vibrancy to the downtown. The city of Adrian plans to waive or expedite permits and fees in support of the project.

The city of Allegan has received $137,650 in CDBG funds for the Downtown Rental Living project in downtown Allegan. The project includes the rehabilitation of the vacant second floor of a building located at 113 Locust St. that will result in two units – one affordable rental housing and the other market rate. The project is part of the city’s plan to bring more housing and residents to the downtown, resulting in more shopping and economic activity in the area. The project is expected to generate a total private investment of $98,832 and will add to the other housing units that have recently been developed in the downtown. The project is consistent with MEDC’s goal of transforming an underutilized property into vibrant space and bringing much-needed housing to the community.

The village of Calumet has been awarded $259,266 in CDBG funds for façade improvements needed for the Village of Calumet Façade Improvement Project. The project includes the exterior renovation of four historically significant buildings on Fifth Street in downtown Calumet. CDBG-eligible activities include brick repair and restoration, painting signage, repair or replacement of doors and windows and more. The project is expected to generate a total private investment of $69,089 and will result in high-impact aesthetic improvements that will encourage additional business and pedestrian traffic. The village of Calumet’s Downtown Development Authority is expected to contribute $10,000 toward the project.

The city of Hastings has been awarded $320,000 in CDBG funds for the East Court Apartments project in downtown Hastings. The project will consist of renovating an existing vacant warehouse, which is attached to a mixed-use building with one rental unit, into five more apartments. Of the six total apartments, four units will be reserved for low- to moderate-income households. The project is expected to generate a total private investment of $112,000 and will not only bring much-needed housing to downtown Hastings, it will also restore a vacant building to active use, bring new activity to the downtown businesses, and add vibrancy to the area.

The city of Iron Mountain has been awarded $255,065 in CDBG funds for the Rental Rehab at 323 S. Stephenson Project in downtown Iron Mountain. The project will consist of the restoration of a vacant historic building into a mixed-use development that will include four new residential units on the second floor. The CDBG funds will be used for interior demolition and installation of new walls, plumbing and mechanical upgrades, and other interior improvements. The project is expected to generate a total private investment of $251,981 and will bring much-needed housing to downtown Iron Mountain. The city of Iron Mountain plans to support the project through approval of a 10-year Commercial Redevelopment Act tax abatement.

The city of Mason has been awarded $254,000 in CDBG funds for improvements needed for the Rental Rehab Project in a mixed-use building owned by West Ash, LLC in downtown Mason. The project includes the renovation of four residential units located on the second floor of the building, which has been vacant for many years and is significantly deteriorated. The first floor is occupied by two separate commercial businesses. The CDBG funds will be used to abate lead and asbestos and for completing rehabilitation activities. Three of the four units will be reserved for low- to moderate-income households. The project is expected to generate a total private investment of $239,328 and will bring much-needed housing to downtown Mason, restoring a partially vacant building and bringing new economic activity to the area. The city of Mason is contributing staff time in support of the project. The city is also engaged with MEDC’s RRC program.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development allocates CDBG funding to the State of Michigan, through the Michigan Strategic Fund with assistance from the MEDC, for further distribution to eligible Units of General Local Government to carry out state-approved activities.

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.