Revitalization projects add housing and commercial space to Hamtramck, Alpena

LANSING, Mich.: Today, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to announce two redevelopment projects receiving support from the bipartisan Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) program, creating housing and commercial space in Hamtramck and Alpena. Together, the projects will generate a total capital investment of over $5.27 million in the state while activating vacant properties and increasing community vibrancy.

The RAP program provides access to gap financing for place-based infrastructure development and real estate rehabilitation and development.

"Support for these projects in Hamtramck and Alpena underscores our commitment to our 'Make It in Michigan' economic development strategy's focus on the people, places, and projects that are integral to growing Michigan's economy," said Governor Whitmer. "Programs like RAP help to create vibrant places that attract and retain talent, add new housing options, enable business creation and attraction, and provide resources for our Michigan communities. Let's keep working together to get things done for our state."

"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 placemaking efforts in support of the state's 'Make It in Michigan' economic development strategy," said the MEDC's SVP of Community Planning and Development Readiness Michele Wildman. "We look forward to seeing how these projects bring new opportunities for Downtown Hamtramck and Downtown Alpena."

In the City of Hamtramck, a functionally obsolete convent located at 2705 Caniff will be redeveloped into 10 residential apartments and approximately 1,874 square feet of commercial space, increasing residential density and business activity near the city's main downtown intersection.

The project is being awarded a $999,047 RAP grant to help fill the gap in capital caused by the high cost of construction and is expected to bring a total capital investment of $2,098,703. Locally grown businesses will use the space on the first floor of the redevelopment and be supported through programming from the Hamtramck Downtown Development Authority and ProsperUs Detroit, a Community Development Financial Institution and future tenant.

The development teams of Ladislaus Lofts LC and Ladislaus Paris LC are majority minority-owned entities owned by John Abbo, Chris Burtley, and Milo Madole. The group is also behind Florian East, a community space, brewery, and taproom in Hamtramck that received support from the MEDC's Build MI Community Grant initiative, which supports redevelopment projects from emerging developers throughout the state.

"In addition to high-quality and reasonably priced housing, the Ladislaus Project will create space in a historically underserved municipality where small business owners with great talents and ideas are paired with the ongoing support of a local CDFI and nonprofit that can help them to build and grow," said developer Milo Madole. "Study after study shows that small businesses are the lifeblood of building vibrant communities and economies. This is why the work of the MEDC is so vital. Without the support of the MEDC, the Ladislaus Project would not be possible!"

"The Ladislaus Project will be a strong addition to Hamtramck's growing small business support ecosystem, while bringing new life and housing options to a historic community building," said Community & Economic Development Manager Isabel Allaway. "The City is excited that its entrepreneur support partner, ProsperUs, will soon have a permanent physical presence in this building to engage and empower Hamtramck small business owners. Many thanks to the MEDC for being a part of this collaboration."

In the City of Alpena, a vacant former bank building located at 200 W. Chisholm will be redeveloped into two commercial spaces, strengthening the vibrancy of downtown by enhancing walkability and diversifying retail offerings. Supported by $904,000 in RAP grant funding, the redevelopment project will bring a total anticipated capital investment of $3,180,572 and welcome new tenants Bay Athletic Club and Thunder Bay Community Health Service, Inc.

Thunder Bay Community Health Service, Inc. has extensive experience in development, with multiple construction, renovation, and expansion projects across Northern Michigan. Since 2009, the organization has built or expanded several school-based health centers in Onaway, Cheboygan, Rogers City, Inland Lakes, Mio, and Johannesburg/Lewiston school districts, along with major upgrades to its Atlanta and Fairview health centers.

"Thunder Bay Community Health Service extends its sincere gratitude to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Alpena Downtown Development Authority, Target Alpena, City of Alpena, Alpena Chamber of Commerce, and Bay Athletic Club for their invaluable contributions to the revitalization of 200 W. Chisholm St in downtown Alpena," said Richard Bates, MD, CEO of Thunder Bay Community Health Service. "The partnership with Bay Athletic Club in promoting fitness as a cornerstone of personal and community well-being has been particularly instrumental. The support from each of these esteemed organizations has been crucial in transforming this space and fostering a caring and inclusive environment. We are eager about the future our collaboration is shaping and look forward to continuing our impactful work together in Alpena and other Northeast Michigan Communities."

The Alpena Downtown Development Authority (DDA), with additional RAP funding support from the MEDC, awarded Thunder Bay Community Health Service, Inc. a $110,663 façade grant, along with an additional $5,000 contribution from the DDA.

"The revitalization of 200 West Chisholm Street represents another exciting step forward for downtown Alpena," said Alpena City Manager Rachel Smolinski. "We're thrilled to see the collective vision of Thunder Bay Community Health Service and Bay Fitness come to life; transforming a long-vacant property into vibrant, active space that will attract people, support local businesses, and enhance the overall vitality of our community. We are grateful for MEDC's investment through the Revitalization and Placemaking Program to help make this project possible."

Since its launch in 2022, the Revitalization and Placemaking program has supported 243 total projects in communities across the state.

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state's marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan's economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: FacebookInstagramLinkedIn, and Twitter.