More than 30 New Homes Coming to Albion, North Branch, and Monroe

LANSING, Mich. - Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced three redevelopment projects receiving support from the MEDC's placemaking programs, including the bipartisan Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) program, Michigan Community Revitalization Program (MCRP), and Build MI Community Grant initiative. The projects will create new opportunities for housing and commercial space in Albion (Calhoun County), North Branch (Lapeer County), and Monroe (Monroe County).

Together, the mixed-use redevelopments will generate a total capital investment of over $14.2 million in the state while activating vacant properties and increasing community vibrancy.

"Our population is growing, and we've been ranked a top state for opportunity and doing business," said Governor Whitmer. "These three new projects will turn vacant properties into thriving homes and commercial space. I'm proud of our work to build or renovate 90,000 homes in communities across Michigan, more than any other administration in history. Programs like RAP help us build on this progress, attract and retain talented workers, lower costs, build housing, and enrich our communities. Let's keep working together to get things done for our state."

"The MEDC is proud to support the growth and vibrancy of communities across Michigan as part of the state's 'Make It in Michigan' economic development strategy," said the MEDC's SVP of Community Planning and Development Readiness Michele Wildman. "These projects in Albion, North Branch, and Monroe will add housing, commercial space, and residential amenities, helping to strengthen local economies, attract investment, and enhance quality of life for residents."

In Downtown Albion, nine functionally obsolete properties on S. Superior Street will be redeveloped to create 21 residential units and six new commercial spaces. Upon completion, the initial investment will transform almost an entire block of downtown Albion into vibrant, mixed-use spaces for new residents and small businesses. Residential units will be rented at a range of rates that are roughly 70% to 100% of Area Median Income (AMI), which will contribute to ongoing efforts to expand attainable housing options within the city.

The project will be supported by a $5 million RAP grant to assist with the historic redevelopment of the building and bring a total anticipated capital investment of $11.3 million. The MEDC will also support the project through an approved Act 381 Work Plan, with Brownfield Tax Increment Financing (TIF) of $575,481. Support from the City of Albion includes a 12-year Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act tax abatement with an estimated value of $874,180 and the local portion of the Brownfield plan valued at approximately $282,756. Other forms of local support include a $300,000 grant from the Albion Community Foundation.

Albion Reinvestment Corporation is a nonprofit organization founded with the mission to receive and administer funds and property to combat community deterioration in the downtown business district of the City of Albion and surrounding areas. OZB Phase I, LLC is a single purpose entity originally created to facilitate Opportunity Zone and Historic Tax Credit equity investments into this project; although the Opportunity Zone and tax credits ultimately were not leveraged for this project, the entity remains a critical element of the development structure. Members of OZB Phase I, LLC include Albion Reinvestment Corporation and Albion College.

Albion Reinvestment Corporation is led by Dr. Samuel Shaheen, CEO and President of Shaheen Development, a family-owned, community-based real estate development company that owns and manages more than two million square feet of residential, mixed-use, and commercial real estate in the Great Lakes Bay Region. Dr. Shaheen has been involved with prior investments in Albion, as well as projects that have received support from the Michigan Strategic Fund, including those in Bay City and Saginaw.

"This $5 million commitment to the Big Albion Plan represents a transformational investment in the future of our community," said Mayor Victoria Garcia Snyder. "It is a testament to the power of collaboration, vision, and the unwavering belief that Albion's best days are ahead. These funds will play a critical role in revitalizing downtown Albion by supporting new business development, expanding housing opportunities, and creating vibrant spaces where residents and visitors can live, work, and gather. This investment will strengthen our local economy while helping us build a thriving community for future generations. We are grateful to everyone who helped bring this project to this important milestone and look forward to sharing more details in the weeks ahead."

"The approval of this RAP grant is a major win for downtown Albion and a strong signal that investment is happening here," said Debbie Kelly, president and CEO of the Albion Economic Development Corporation and the City of Albion's Brownfield Redevelopment Authority. "This project will help revitalize downtown brownfield properties, drive economic activity, and support the long-term growth of our downtown. We appreciate the MEDC's partnership and commitment to communities like Albion."

"This support for the Big Albion Plan marks a truly meaningful moment in Albion's continued revitalization," said City Manager Dr. Sheryl L. Theriot. "The MEDC's partnership and Dr. Sam Shaheen's investment through ARC reflects a shared and genuine belief in our city's promise. This project will breathe new life into longunderused properties, strengthen our downtown, and create new opportunities for residents and businesses alike. We're excited and grateful for the positive momentum this work will bring to our community."

"The revitalization of downtown Albion is exactly the kind of investment that supports small businesses and expands housing opportunities for Michigan families," said State Rep. Steve Frisbie (R-Battle Creek). "The transformation of this vacant property will help create new economic activity while preserving the historic character that makes Albion unique. I appreciate the partnership between the MEDC, the City of Albion, and local stakeholders who are working together to bring new life to the heart of downtown."

"This project is a key part of the redevelopment of Albion's downtown, said Peggy Sindt, retired President and CEO of Albion Economic Development Corporation, ARC board member, and Albion College alumna and trustee. "Envisioned well over a decade ago by developer Dr. Samuel Shaheen and supported by many partners and donors, the Big Albion Plan Project will rejuvenate a large portion of Albion's historic business district. Michigan Economic Development Corporation has provided critical support to Albion for a long time, and this grant is the final piece to make the project financially viable."

The City of Albion became a certified Redevelopment Ready Community by the MEDC in 2020, thanks to its efforts in establishing a solid foundation to attract private investment and further build on municipality assets.

In the Village of North Branch, a vacant former hardware store at 4003 Huron Street will be rehabilitated to construct eight new apartments and two commercial spaces, adding new residents and 14 anticipated new jobs to the downtown area. All unit types are priced at or below 120% AMI.

Due to significant water intrusion, mold growth, and asbestos, the Village designated the property as blighted in August 2025. The redevelopment of the property is aligned with the Village's Master Plan to create new housing and encourage investment from regional builders and local investors.

The project is being supported by a $992,000 performance-based MCRP grant to address significant redevelopment costs associated with the rehabilitation and will result in a total anticipated capital investment of $2,387,256. The Village of North Branch Downtown Development Authority is also supporting the project with a $10,000 façade grant, which is the maximum allowable through the program.

PAMM Group LLC consists of Michele and Kyle Mausolf and Kevin Turner. The Mausolfs were the previous recipients of an MEDC BMC grant in the City of Marlette. The 3006 Main Street project revitalized a dilapidated building into five residential apartments and a commercial space, now occupied by the local healthcare system. They have also rehabilitated several single and multi-family properties in the region on their own. Kevin Turner is an experienced contractor with new construction, rehabilitation, and management experience.

"The Village of North Branch is truly excited with the renovation and redevelopment of The Orr Block Building at the main intersection of our Central Business District," said Village President M. Kelly Martin. "This historic structure has been a dominant part of our history for the last 100+ years, as the home of Daniel Orr Sons Hardware. When complete, this project will provide much-needed apartment housing, 1,200 square feet of fresh commercial space on the first floor, and additional parking."

In Downtown Monroe, a vacant building at 111 E. Front Street will be reactivated into a mixed-use development that features first floor commercial space and two residential units on the second floor. The project includes the restoration of the building's interior flooring, windows, and utilities, as well as restoring the building's exterior, and the addition of a new mural on the building's side facing Altrusa Park. This development will create a vibrant mixed-use space while increasing foot traffic and residential density in downtown Monroe.

The project is supported by a $250,000 BMC grant to assist with the substantial cost of construction associated with the redevelopment of a vacant building into modern residential and commercial space and will result in an anticipated $558,110 in total capital investment. The BMC grant program is an initiative designed to promote private investment in Michigan communities by supporting emerging developers.

The development entity, ST Project Management Agency LLC, is led by Shasta Panza and Tony Panza, who have 27 years of skilled trade experience in commercial and residential construction.

"This grant is a huge step forward for ST Project Management Agency and will allow us to immediately begin revitalization efforts that will positively impact the community by bringing a beautiful building back to life," said developer Shasta Panza.

"On behalf of the City of Monroe, we are truly thrilled to see this investment from the State of Michigan in our Downtown," said Mayor Robert Clark. "111 E. Front Street has been a long-blighted property, and we are excited to see this investment in alignment with the City's Downtown Master Plan to bring a reputable new business and additional residential units to the area."

"This project is a great use of a vacant property that will bring new energy, housing, and business opportunities to downtown Monroe while strengthening our community for years to come," said State Rep. William Bruck (R-Erie).

"Helping communities revitalize their downtown areas is an important step in attracting new talent and investment, improving the local economy, and enhancing the quality of life for Michigan families," said State Sen. Joseph Bellino (R-Monroe). "This funding will help return a vacant building to productive use, which is good for downtown Monroe, area taxpayers, and local families."

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.