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LANSING, MI - On December 18, 2024, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced three revitalization projects have received $700,000 in support from the Build MI Community Grant initiative, which will activate vacant spaces and create housing and storefronts in Detroit, Escanaba, and Ypsilanti.
“These projects in Detroit, Escanaba, and Ypsilanti will turn vacant, abandoned property into affordable housing and commercial space,” said Governor Whitmer. “With the Build MI Community Grant initiative, we can support small, growing developers as they make our cities and towns better places to live, work, and invest. Let’s keep working together to build more housing, drive down costs, and create safer, more exciting downtowns and main streets.”
The Build MI Community Grant program was created to reactivate underutilized or vacant space into vibrant areas by promoting capital investment into redevelopment projects being taken on by developers and property owners with limited real estate development experience. The initiative assists developers by familiarizing them with the development process to position them to potentially undertake more complex projects in the future.
“On behalf of the MEDC, we are pleased to work with emerging developers who are contributing to their communities across Michigan and investing in their resilience through the Build MI Community grant initiative as part of our ‘Make It in Michigan’ economic strategy’s placemaking efforts,” said Michele Wildman, MEDC Chief Place Officer. “We look forward to seeing how these projects bring new life to the vacant properties in Detroit, Escanaba, and Ypsilanti while improving their downtowns for residents.”
Long-vacant building to be converted into eight units of attainable housing in Detroit
A blighted, two-story, multifamily building in Detroit will be converted into eight highly efficient, attainable rental housing units as the result of a redevelopment from Eskay Holdings, LLC near the future Joe Louis Greenway.
The developer will leverage his background in electric and geothermal engineering to rehabilitate the property for highest energy efficiency, while offering the units to residents at 60% Area Median Income. Supported by $250,000 in Build MI Community grant funds, the Grand Oak redevelopment will create a total anticipated capital investment of $1,380,513 while providing attainable housing options in Detroit. The future Joe Louis Greenway is a planned biking and walking trail that will extend from the Detroit Riverfront and connect nearby communities, adding to the value of redeveloping the long-vacant property.
“Without a focused program like the Build MI Community initiative to bridge the gap in developmental financing, a project like the Grand Oak Apartments would not take place,” said developer Shaker Manns. “Funding sources to renovate existing offline structures in the neighborhoods of the city, particularly at the naturally occurring level of affordability, are difficult to finance as the project parameters often extend beyond the limits of traditional lending sources. This type of support as an emerging developer is appreciated, as development is a challenging endeavor no matter the level of experience.”
“I am thrilled to see the community benefit from the $250,000 award through the Build MI Community Grant program,” said Sen. Erika Geiss, representing Senate District 1. “The Build MI Community Grant is a tremendous investment in Detroit’s future, turning blighted properties into vibrant spaces that meet critical housing needs. I applaud Eskay Holdings, LLC for their commitment to energy efficiency and attainable housing, and I am proud to see the Build MI Community program fostering opportunities for developers to create meaningful, lasting impacts in Senate District 1.”
Development in Downtown Escanaba to activate vacant space, create three apartments
Spaulding Real Estate, LLC plans to activate vacant space above Cat-Man-Do’s, an established business at 1223 Ludington St. in Downtown Escanaba to create three new one-bedroom apartments. The project will help increase housing in Escanaba’s downtown area with mid-market rental units and support local businesses through increased workforce housing and residential foot traffic.
The project will create a total anticipated capital investment of $496,411, thanks in part to support from the MEDC through $248,206 in Build MI Community grant funds.
The City of Escanaba has historically seen a high number of vacant spaces on the second floor of properties due to high construction costs and expenses required for major renovations to historic buildings. This project will serve as a catalyst for similar redevelopment opportunities in Downtown Escanaba.
“Lack of housing continues to be the leading deterrent for many of our critical economic development opportunities,” said Ed Legault, executive director of the Delta County Economic Development Alliance. “The MEDC’s support of a project to create three market rate apartments in Downtown Escanaba shows their commitment to help solve the housing issues in our area. The Cat-Man-Do’s project will help other developers move forward with similar opportunities.”
"This is a fantastic project for the downtown, bringing housing close to community businesses and night life,” said Craig Woerpel, executive director of the Escanaba Downtown Development Authority. “Cat-Man-Do's offers great food at an iconic bar with outdoor seating and street activities like Muscle on Main car show and Wheelin' Sportsmen fundraiser. Adding housing makes Curt Spaulding a leader in helping to revitalize the downtown. It is great to see the MEDC support this project."
Functionally obsolete property to become home of new restaurant in Ypsilanti
SSSethi Properties, LLC plans to rehabilitate a vacant and functionally obsolete storefront in the downtown corridor of the City of Ypsilanti to become the new home of a restaurant, The Earthen Jar. The project, located at 406 W. Michigan Avenue, will enhance the local community and support economic growth while reactivating a long-vacant storefront; the property has been vacant for over 30 years and was last used as a deli in the 1990s.
The project, which is anticipated to create a total capital investment of $403,512, is being supported by $200,000 in Build MI Community grant funds.
Located in a series of one-story commercial buildings on the main corridor in downtown Ypsilanti, the project is minutes from Eastern Michigan University and four blocks from City Hall. It is also adjacent to the new MI-HQ project, which will house the University of Michigan’s Ypsilanti Health Center and bring hundreds of new jobs to downtown Ypsilanti. The MI-HQ project received $1 million in Revitalization and Placemaking program funding in FY23.
Recently, the City of Ypsilanti applied for a Match on Main grant on behalf of the project and received a $25,000 award to support its development. The addition of a new restaurant is expected to spark additional investment in this long-dilapidated section of storefronts.
"Receiving the Build MI Community grant is an exciting opportunity to turn a vacant space into a vibrant destination for the Ypsilanti community,” said developer Sim Sethi. “This grant helps breathe new life into the building while supporting the growth and revitalization of the neighborhood. Earthen Jar will be a place where tradition, flavor, and community come together, offering a unique dining experience and contributing to the area's renewal."
"The addition of Earthen Jar to our downtown business community has been eagerly anticipated and is warmly welcomed,” said Elize Jekabson, executive director of the Ypsilanti DDA. “We are excited to collaborate with Sim and support his bold vision for transforming this long-vacant storefront in the heart of Ypsilanti. This revitalization will undoubtedly bring lasting benefits to our community for years to come.”
“This $200,000 grant from the Build MI Community fund will be put to good use to help revive life in downtown Ypsilanti,” said state Rep. Jimmie Wilson, Jr. (D-Ypsilanti). “The new restaurant will be a place for community making and a symbol of rebirth for the vacant lot. It signifies a new beginning for this section of the downtown corridor, and I look forward to seeing the project come to life.”