News Summary
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has announced significant redevelopment plans in Grand Rapids, Holly, and Utica, which feature a total capital investment of over $16.4 million. These projects, backed by the Revitalization and Placemaking program, aim to rejuvenate abandoned properties and stimulate local economies. By transforming these spaces, the initiative will enhance community resilience and support small businesses, providing new job opportunities and improving quality of life in these cities.
Grand Rapids, Michigan – Governor Whitmer Launches $16.4 Million Revitalization Projects in Multiple Cities
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has unveiled three significant redevelopment projects in Grand Rapids, Holly, and Utica, backed by the bipartisan Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) program. With a total capital investment exceeding $16.4 million, these initiatives aim to transform vacant and underused properties into vibrant community spaces, thereby enhancing the quality of life and supporting local economies.
The RAP program is designed to provide gap financing for infrastructure development and real estate rehabilitation, and Governor Whitmer emphasized the importance of these projects in adding commercial space for small businesses within their respective downtown areas. The initiative is anticipated to foster community resilience and stimulate economic growth.
Grand Rapids Project
In Downtown Grand Rapids, a former art gallery will undergo significant renovations to become a modern coworking hub tailored for entrepreneurs and small businesses. This project, which is slated for a total capital investment of approximately $10,179,635, is receiving $1,250,901 in RAP grant funding.
The coworking space is expected to offer diverse amenities including flexible office areas, private offices, high-tech meeting rooms, a 200-person movie theater, and an outdoor event venue. Once operational, the facility aims to serve over 500 individuals and approximately 300 companies, contributing to high-growth, high-wage job opportunities in the region. The developers, the Bamboo team, have successfully managed four locations in Michigan since 2015 and are committed to initiating no-cost public events and community engagements within the new space. Additionally, the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) will provide up to $2.4 million in funding to support the project through a loan from Bank Michigan.
Holly Project
In Holly, the redevelopment initiative focuses on rehabilitating a two-story building that suffered damage from a fire in 2022. Originally built as a bank in 1866, the project aims to revitalize the space to reopen Andy’s Place, a beloved restaurant in the community. The anticipated capital investment for this effort is $1,357,770, with $433,770 coming from a RAP grant.
This revitalization is expected to increase commercial density and reinforce the community’s identity, revitalizing an important aspect of downtown Holly’s historical landscape.
Utica Project
The final project is located in Downtown Utica, where a former landfill site will be transformed into a mixed-use building that will serve as the headquarters for the United Shore Professional Baseball League. The new development will include office space for non-profits, conference facilities, a USPBL merchandise store, and a restaurant. This initiative is backed by a $951,075 RAP grant and anticipates a total capital investment of $4,934,516.
Upon completion, the project is projected to retain 28 existing jobs while creating an additional 30 new positions within the downtown area. Furthermore, local trails will be established to connect this development to the broader regional trail system, thereby enhancing recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.
Background Context
Since its inception in 2022, the RAP program has made substantial strides across Michigan, supporting 175 projects aimed at revitalizing communities statewide. By addressing gaps in infrastructure and real estate, the program exemplifies how targeted funding can rejuvenate local economies and foster community engagement.
The current slate of projects showcases a commitment to transforming overlooked properties into bustling centers of community activity, with local officials and stakeholders optimistic about the opportunities they will provide for residents and businesses alike.
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Additional Resources
- WZZM13: Former UICA Building Grand Rapids Redeveloped Coworking Hub
- Crain’s Grand Rapids: Employers’ $40M Housing Project
- MLive: 10 Major Developments in Grand Rapids Area to Watch in 2025
- Rapid Growth Media: 10 Transformative Projects in Grand Rapids
- Fox17: Gaslight Village Development Plans Scaled Back
- Wikipedia: Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Google Search: Grand Rapids, Michigan development news
- Google Scholar: Grand Rapids development
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Grand Rapids
- Google News: Grand Rapids, Michigan
