What’s happening: In five rural communities spread across Michigan, individual plans to redevelop vacant buildings and underutilized spaces now share something else in common. Each of the projects are receiving funding from Michigan’s Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) program, bolstering project stakeholders in their efforts to bring more housing and commercial space to their respective communities.
What it means: Redevelopment projects in Cheboygan, Lowell, Petoskey, Spring Lake, and Zeeland are each receiving a share of what could total $3,985,500 in RAP funding support. The five projects are expected to create a total of 78 new housing units and represent a total capital investment of more than $21.3 million within the five communities.
Where it’s going: In
downtown Cheboygan, plans to redevelop a long-vacant, two-story building at 400 N. Main St. will result in two apartment units on the second floor and a renovated retail space on the first floor. The project will receive up to $279,000 in RAP grant funds.
Four residential units and first-floor commercial space will be added to
downtown Lowell, where the redevelopment of a vacant and blighted building receives up to $428,500 in RAP funding.
Vacant since 2006, a building at 424 Emmet St. near
downtown Petoskey will be reactivated with nine residential units in an effort to meet workforce housing demands in the city. The redevelopment will receive up to $878,000 in RAP funding.
The biggest of the bunch is found in the
Village of Spring Lake, where 106 S. Buchanan St. will soon be host to a three-story, mixed-use development complete with 41 new residential units, retail space, and integrated parking. The project is supported by up to $1,500,000 in RAP grants.
An underutilized property is being activated in
downtown Zeeland, where a new 28,710 sq. ft., mixed-use development is being built. The development will feature more than 9,000 sq. ft. of retail space and 22 residential units. The project receives up to $900,000 in RAP grant funds.
Why it’s important: "Cheboygan’s downtown has always been the heartbeat of our community, and this RAP grant is an exciting opportunity to breathe new life into it,” reads a statement from state Representative Cam Cavitt (R-Cheboygan). “The revitalization of the building will not only enhance our local business scene but also create new housing, making our city more vibrant and welcoming. Projects like this are a testament to the strength and potential of Cheboygan, and I’m thrilled to see this investment in our community."
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