×

Grandview is brand new

Ribbon cutting ceremony, public tours held

The former Holy Family Orphanage is expected to open its doors to new residents for the first time in 40 years on Dec. 1 as the Grandview Marquette apartment complex. (Journal photo by Rachel Oakley)

By RACHEL OAKLEY

and COREY KELLY

Journal Staff Writers

MARQUETTE — Hundreds of people gathered Friday afternoon at the new Grandview Marquette apartment complex for a ribbon cutting ceremony and public tours to celebrate the end of construction of the former Holy Family Orphanage, bringing the historic landmark back to its original glory.

The development will be the answer to the affordable housing shortage in Marquette. Of the 56 units, 14 will be held aside as supportive housing units for formerly homeless individuals or families with special needs, who will pay 30 percent of their income in rent. The remaining 42 units available in 2017 range between $301-$642 per month for one-bedroom and $722-$879 for a three-bedroom, depending on income and household size.

The project is a partnership between developer Home Renewal Systems, Community Action Alger Marquettee, investors Old National Bank of Indianapolis and InSite Capitol.

In a recent Mining Journal interview, Marquette Mayor Dave Campana said the $16 million project received $13 million in low-income housing tax credits through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, as well as $2.4 million in federal historic tax credits, $750,000 in permanent mortgage and deferred fees, and assistance through the City of Marquette Brownfield Redevelopment Authority for environmental assessments.

“For me, investing in this project seemed like an easy decision, just because of the project’s impact,” said Chip Windisch, vice president of capital markets for Old National Bank at the ribbon cutting ceremony. “We’re able to save this hundred-year-old building, but more importantly we’re bringing 56 affordable apartments where you really, really need them. We’re celebrating today the near completion of construction, but more importantly we’re bringing safe, dignified, affordable apartments and access to services to tenents who now don’t have to worry about housing. Instead they can live their lives and focus on excelling in other ways.”

Earl Poleski, executive director of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority praised Marquette officials, investors and the development projects team, saying, “your committment to providing high-quality affordable housing will help improve the quality of life for some of Marquette’s most vulnerable citizens, including the homeless and veterans.”

Poleski added, “in order to qualify for state and federal tax credits, Home Renewal Systems and the Community Action agency have committed to ensure that the Grandview apartment units remain high-quality and affordable for 45 years, and that’s one of MSHDA’s responsibilities, to make sure that is done.”

Rachel Oakley and Corey Kelly can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 243. Their email address is photos@miningjournal.net.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today