Detroit, Michigan – Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced a major redevelopment projects targeted at rebuilding Detroit and Alma under the Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) initiative. This project marks a strong drive towards improving Michigan’s urban environments by turning empty and underused structures into dynamic residential and commercial spaces.
A long-neglected century-old structure at 9301 Oakland Avenue in Detroit’s North End is scheduled for a comprehensive make-over Under direction of Stafford House, Inc., the project will transform the run-down building into 10 residential units with 5,200 square feet of premium business space. This development is not just about adding housing; it’s about rejuvenating a community with a deep-rooted history.
Supported by grants and tax abatements from municipal and state organizations, the planned $3.2 million total investment for this project emphasizes a team effort to restore the historic Oakland Avenue corridor.
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The commercial areas are supposed to support nearby companies as well as provide workforce development and technological training. This project seeks to build a manufacturing job pipeline, a vital sector for Detroit’s economy.
“This development will eliminate neighborhood blight and address the shortage of affordable housing,” said Lendon Crosby, chairman and president of Stafford House. “Our project will offer workforce development and technology training in the commercial space that will create a pipeline for manufacturing jobs. The rich history of Oakland Ave. will also be preserved by the renovation of this historic building. This beacon of light will begin a resurgence of commercial services and amenities coming to Oakland Ave.”
Similarly, in downtown Alma, a major renovation project will convert an empty 12,111 square-foot structure, 311 E. Superior Street, into a vibrant residential and business center. Under a $1.162 million grant from the RAP program, the project will revitalize a once-forgotten building and add nine new homes. Involving about $3 million in capital expenditure, this project will not only improve the architectural legacy of the area—which is housed in a district designated on the National Register of Historic Places—but also expand housing availability.
“This grant is a great opportunity to help provide much needed housing, as well as preserve a historic part of downtown,” said State Rep. Jerry Neyer (R-Shepherd).
“On behalf of the MEDC, we are pleased to work with communities across Michigan and invest in their resilience through the RAP program as part of our ‘Make It in Michigan’ economic strategy’s placemaking efforts,” said Michele Wildman, MEDC Chief Place Officer. “We look forward to seeing how these projects bring new life to vacant buildings while improving Detroit and downtown Alma for their communities and residents.”
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Detroit and Alma’s projects fit a bigger trend toward reviving Michigan’s urban areas, which increases their appeal to both people and companies. These projects help the state prosper and improve the quality of life for its people by turning empty buildings into useful, beautiful spaces, therefore lowering living and commercial expenses.
“These investments show how we’re improving quality of life for Michiganders by replacing old, abandoned buildings with new ones that give more Michiganders an affordable place to live or start or grow their own business. Let’s keep working together to lower costs for buyers and renters and reinvest in our communities,” Governor Whitmer said.
More details about the projects can be found here.