Flint, Michigan – Last Thursday, a large crowd came to downtown Flint to celebrate a big event for Genesee County: the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly renovated Genesee County Administration Building. The ceremony, which took place at 324 S. Saginaw Street, brought hundreds of people who were excited to see the official opening of a facility that will change how local government works in the future.
The Genesee County Board of Commissioners held the ceremony to mark the end of a years-long endeavor to turn the old north tower of Citizens Bank into a primary hub for county services. The 10-story, 130,000-square-foot building was built in 1979 and has been completely remodeled to house about 350 county employees.
Delrico J. Loyd, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners, addressed the crowd with a message of pride and optimism.
“This is a monumental move for Genesee County,” Loyd said. “We could not be more excited about what this new facility has to offer our residents and employees. So, as we prepare to cut this ribbon and usher in a new era of public service, let us remember this: This building isn’t just what our residents and staff deserve—it’s what they should expect from an organization that values them.”
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The event had a number of guest speakers, such as Ridgway White, CEO of the C.S. Mott Foundation; U.S. Congresswoman Kristen McDonald Rivet; State Senator John Cherry; State Representative David Martin; University of Michigan-Flint Chancellor Laurence B. Alexander; and Leah Johnson of OneGenesee.
Guests at the ceremony were able to see the first two floors of the structure, which has been repaired and is now home to many county departments. Among those making the move are all offices currently located in the aging Beach Street facility, along with the Genesee County Health Department and the Burton Clinic.
The project got money from a number of places, including a large grant from the C.S. Mott Foundation, funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), and money from the county’s general fund.
The public will not be able to enter county agencies that are actively moving from August 1 to August 8. On August 11, the building will formally open its doors to the residents.
Now that the ribbon has been cut, the Genesee County Administration Building is ready to become a modern center of public service in the heart of downtown Flint. It will be a sign of both progress and a renewed dedication to the community.