Historic Baker Building Rehabilitation to Enhance Downtown New Baltimore

Historic Baker Building in New Baltimore Set for Revitalization

LANSING, Mich. — The historic Baker Building in downtown New Baltimore, long left vacant, is poised for a transformative redevelopment that will enhance the local community through new housing and commercial opportunities. This undertaking, announced by Governor Gretchen Whitmer alongside the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), is a key part of the Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) program.

The project is backed by a substantial $1,238,924 grant from the RAP program. It aims to introduce three new residential units, contributing to a total capital investment exceeding $2.95 million. This initiative is set to invigorate the town’s downtown area, boosting both vibrancy and population density. The RAP program is designed to offer gap financing for various developmental projects, including infrastructure, real estate, and public space enhancements.

“Restoring the historic Baker Building in New Baltimore will create more housing supply to drive down costs and make downtown a more attractive place to live, work, and invest,” stated Governor Whitmer. She emphasized the broader economic strategy of helping people ‘Make It in Michigan’ by focusing on comprehensive development efforts.

Michele Wildman, MEDC Chief Place Officer, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “We look forward to seeing how this project brings new life to the historic Baker Building and improves downtown New Baltimore for its community and residents.”

The ambitious rehabilitation plan will transform the 9,316 sq.-ft. structure into a mixed-use facility featuring both residential and commercial spaces. Maintaining the building’s historical characteristics while addressing structural challenges has led to increased construction costs. To aid financial feasibility, the development team collaborated with local authorities to obtain a Commercial Rehabilitation Act exemption.

Once completed, the revitalized Baker Building is expected to enhance the downtown area’s density and walkability, contributing to a more vibrant community environment.

“This is very exciting for the City of New Baltimore as this building holds a significant piece of history in our community,” commented Mayor Thomas Semaan, highlighting the project’s importance to local development and historic preservation efforts.

State Senator Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores) also praised the initiative, noting that it complements ongoing local improvements, including recent budget allocations for city infrastructure repairs. He stated, “Together with funds secured in the 2025 budget to repair the city’s breakwalls, this grant provides us the opportunity to strengthen our collective work with local leaders to create a more vibrant downtown where people want to live, work, and play.”

This redevelopment is part of a broader placemaking strategy by the MEDC in New Baltimore, which includes projects like the universally accessible playscape at Walter and Mary Burke Park. Supported by the Public Spaces Community Places crowdfunding program, this project met its funding goals in 2022 and successfully expanded recreational opportunities for children of all abilities.