What’s happening: Developers want to convert the vacant Harold Elgas Clock Tower from office space into a mixed-use property that features a mix of residential and commercial space. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation recently announced a $935,875 grant in support of the project, awarded through Michigan’s Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) program.
What it is: One of downtown Gaylord’s most recognizable buildings, the Harold Elgas Clock Tower was first built in 1972 as an addition to the Gaylord State Bank building – where Fifth Third Bank remains operating today. The three-story, 22,584 sq. ft. office building is currently vacant but developers
Go North Properties plan to repurpose the site with eight new residential units and more than 5,000 sq. ft. of commercial space.
Why it’s important: “Go North Properties is excited and proud to partner with the City and the MEDC in redeveloping a landmark downtown property – the Harold Elgas Clock Tower,” says developer Gary Scott. “Harold Elgas and the Gaylord State Bank were part of a dedicated group of local citizens determined to reestablish and rebrand Gaylord in the late 1950s and 60s as a recreational destination. Go North Properties is dedicated to play a part in the new downtown housing initiative to help support the growing economic needs of Gaylord.”
RAP it up: The MEDC’s
Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) program offers performance-based grants to place-based infrastructure development, real estate rehabilitation and development, and public space improvement projects. The program intends to support communities in their various revitalization efforts.
Rural matters: “This redevelopment project at 127 West Main Street represents exactly the kind of thoughtful, mixed-use development we need in downtown Gaylord,” says Assistant City Manager Erika Peters. “The MEDC's significant support through the RAP program demonstrates their understanding that smaller, rural communities in Northern Michigan need strategic investment to remain vibrant and growing. By transforming underutilized office space into eight new residential units and modern commercial space, we're not just renovating a building – we're breathing new life into our downtown core. The combination of MEDC support, along with our city's tax abatement program and brownfield grant, shows how multi-level partnerships can make transformative projects possible in communities like ours. This is exactly the type of investment Northern Michigan needs to continue thriving.”
The Harold Elgas Clock Tower development is located at 127 W. Main St. in downtown Gaylord.
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