LANSING, Mich. – In a bid to rejuvenate local communities, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has unveiled two key redevelopment projects that will be supported through the bipartisan Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) program. One project focuses on transforming the abandoned K-Mart site in Battle Creek into a vibrant mixed-use campus, while the other aims to revitalize a long-abandoned structure in Detroit’s Livernois corridor. Together, these initiatives are expected to inject over $39.2 million in capital investment into the state.
The RAP program offers crucial gap financing aimed at facilitating place-based infrastructure upgrades and real estate development. Governor Whitmer emphasized the broader impact of such projects, stating, “Support for these projects in Battle Creek and Detroit highlights Michigan as the best place to grow and thrive.”
Governor Whitmer’s strategy, known as ‘Make it in Michigan,’ focuses on investing in people, revitalizing places, and securing projects that boost the state’s economy. Michele Wildman, the MEDC’s SVP of Community Planning and Development Readiness, added, “Through these investments made by the Revitalization and Placemaking program, the MEDC is supporting the vibrancy and growth of Battle Creek and Detroit as part of the state’s ‘Make It in Michigan’ economic development strategy.”
Battle Creek’s Mixed-Use Transformation
In Battle Creek, five acres of land that once housed a K-Mart will be transformed into a mixed-use campus. This redevelopment plan includes a four-story apartment building and a one-story commercial structure that will provide much-needed housing and childcare services. The project aims to address local housing and childcare shortages, adding 80 apartments—48 of which will be affordable low-income units and 32 workforce units.
The Blue Light project, awarded a $5 million RAP grant, is expected to drive a capital investment of $30,230,786. Local support includes a 50-year, 4% payment in lieu of taxes agreement from the City of Battle Creek, valued at $4,390,000. The W.K. Kellogg Foundation is also contributing $3,000,000 in grant funds. The development team is led by Edison Community Partners and Battle Creek Unlimited, who have a proven track record of successful mixed-income and mixed-use projects.
“Blue Light helps Battle Creek attract and retain the workforce needed for its growing economy,” said the Edison Community Partners team. City Manager Amanda Zimmerlin noted that this $30.5 million investment is a crucial first step toward reconnecting downtown with neighboring areas and addressing housing and education shortages.
Support from entities like the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) ensures that 48 apartments will be affordable for low- and moderate-income families, according to MSHDA Chief Housing Investment Officer Tony Lentych.
Detroit’s Livernois Corridor Revitalization
In Detroit, a long-vacant building at 7326 West McNichols is set to be demolished to make way for a 15,600 square-foot commercial and retail space. This development will include a ground-floor artisan market and a second-floor event and office space, serving the Fitzgerald/Marygrove and Bagley neighborhoods.
The project, which has secured a $1.5 million RAP grant, anticipates a total capital investment of $8,994,702. Additional support comes from the MEDC through an approved Act 381 Work Plan and Brownfield Tax Increment Financing of $235,783.
The development team consists of Chase L. Cantrell, Brandon Hodges, and Damon Dickerson, who have extensive experience in community-focused projects across Detroit. Their collective efforts aim to offer a responsive environment for emerging entrepreneurs, providing a much-needed asset to the local community.
State Sen. Mallory McMorrow highlighted the importance of such investments, saying, “When we invest directly in Detroit neighborhoods, we create real change in people’s lives.”
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