LANSING, Mich. — The transformation of the Village of Lake Orion’s historic high school into a vibrant community hub is underway, marking a pivotal moment in Michigan’s efforts to address housing shortages and enhance local development. Supported by Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), this ambitious project will introduce 89 new residential units and an event space, thanks to a $31 million investment from the Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) program.
Governor Whitmer expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “Here in Michigan, we believe everyone deserves to have a roof over their heads. That’s why I’m proud to announce this redevelopment project in Lake Orion that will create 89 residential units and an event space. Overall, this $31 million investment bolsters my commitment to make sure everyone can ‘Make it in Michigan’ by increasing affordable housing in our state.” The initiative aligns with the state’s broader strategy to attract talent, support business growth, and enhance local resources.
The RAP program is integral to this vision, offering essential gap financing for infrastructure and real estate development. Michele Wildman of MEDC emphasized the program’s role, noting, “On behalf of the MEDC, we are pleased to work with communities across Michigan and invest in their resilience through the RAP program as part of our placemaking efforts in support of the state’s ‘Make It in Michigan’ economic development strategy.”
Kyle J. Westberg, president and CEO of West Construction Services, highlighted the project’s dual focus on honoring history and fostering future growth. “For West Construction Services, the West Village Project is about honoring the past and investing in the future. By thoughtfully transforming this historic school into homes and community space, we’re helping bring new residents, local spending, and lasting value to the Village of Lake Orion,” he said.
Village Manager Darwin McClary underscored the community’s commitment to preserving its heritage while embracing modern needs. “The Flats and Lofts at West Village is an exciting rehabilitation and redevelopment project on the site of the cherished 1927 Lake Orion High School,” McClary shared. “West Village represents the Village of Lake Orion’s unwavering dedication to historic preservation and adaptive reuse of obsolete buildings.”
Upon completion, the Flats and Lofts at West Village will cater to residents looking to downsize without leaving the community, benefiting from a $1.5 million RAP grant to aid in redevelopment costs. The project is expected to inject $31,041,298 into the local economy.
This redevelopment is spearheaded by Developer West Village Owner, LLC, a subsidiary of West Construction Services, known for its successful MEDC-backed projects such as The Strand Theater and Lafayette Place Lofts.
Community and regional support is robust, with a PA-210 Commercial Rehabilitation Act Abatement worth approximately $1.8 million over eight years from Lake Orion and a $20,000 environmental assessment grant from Oakland County.
Since 2022, the Revitalization and Placemaking program has championed 244 projects across Michigan, underscoring the state’s commitment to revitalizing local communities.
About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
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