In a significant boost to Michigan’s urban development, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced funding for three key redevelopment projects in Cadillac, Escanaba, and Marquette. These initiatives, under the bipartisan Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) program, aim to introduce 60 new housing units and bring a combined capital investment exceeding $16.5 million to the state’s downtown areas.
The RAP program, designed to bridge financing gaps, supports infrastructure and real estate development, focusing on creating vibrant communities. Governor Whitmer emphasized the importance of these projects, stating, “Support for these projects in Northern Michigan underscores our commitment to our ‘Make It in Michigan’ economic development strategy’s focus on the people, places, and projects that are integral to growing Michigan’s economy.”
Cadillac’s Downtown Transformation
In Cadillac, the transformation of unused land will result in two new residential buildings, adding 48 housing units in a lively, accessible area. The North Lake Street Flats will offer housing priced at 80% to 100% of the Area Median Income, addressing the local housing shortage. The project, backed by a $1.4 million RAP grant, anticipates a total investment of $10,669,625.
North Lake Street Flats, LLC, in collaboration with Veneklasen Construction, spearheads the project, benefiting from a $2,510,784 Act 381 Brownfield Plan reimbursement over 15 years. The City of Cadillac, which approved the plan in October 2024, along with state agencies, provides additional support.
Cadillac City Manager Marcus Peccia remarked, “The Lake Street Flats project represents a significant milestone in our City’s efforts in addressing attainable housing.” He highlighted the development’s role in reducing the housing gap and revitalizing vacant lots.
Escanaba’s Economic Revival
In Escanaba, a disused building will be converted into a restaurant and a one-bedroom apartment, enhancing the downtown area’s appeal. The project, supported by a $500,000 RAP grant, expects a total investment of $1,064,653.
Local developer Curt Spaulding, leveraging a Build MI Community grant, aims to breathe new life into the area. Escanaba City Manager James McNeil expressed gratitude for the MEDC’s backing, noting, “Redeveloping a vacant building into a new restaurant and apartment space is exactly how we drive economic growth and enhance our downtown vibrancy.”
Marquette’s Mixed-Use Development
Marquette will see an 8,000-square-foot vacant building transformed into a four-story, mixed-use development. This project will introduce 11 residential units, two commercial spaces, and parking, supported by a $1.5 million RAP grant and a total investment of $4,803,602.
The Marquette County Land Bank, alongside the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, is contributing additional funding to this initiative. The development team, 401 W. Washington LLC, praised the initiative, saying it unlocks essential affordable housing while boosting community growth.
Karen Kovacs, Marquette’s city manager, highlighted the collaboration’s success, stating, “This investment underscores the strength of collaboration between a committed local developer and dedicated state and local agencies.”
Since its inception in 2022, the Revitalization and Placemaking program has been instrumental in supporting 249 projects statewide, reinforcing Michigan’s commitment to economic and community development.
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