By Journal Staff

CHASSELL — Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced on Tuesday the Michigan Strategic Fund Board’s support for a project that will add new residential and commercial space to Chassell Township.

The MSF Board approved a Michigan Community Revitalization Program performance-based grant for $1.5 million so developer T&J Properties of Chassell, Inc. can support the redevelopment of a blighted, land bank-owned property into a mixed-use development. The project has an anticipated total capital investment of $4,514,337.

A new 19,400-square-foot building will add 22 total residential units, 16 one-bedroom and six two-bedroom apartments, and one commercial unit.

“I am excited to get this project underway as it will be great to do this for the Township of Chassell and surrounding areas,” said T&J Properties owner Dan Palosaari in a press release. “This building will be a landmark in Chassell for years to come.”

The project will be the first downtown mixed-use development for Palosaari, a Chassell resident who has worked in the construction industry for 42 years.

The community is also supporting the development project with a local portion of Housing TIF capture of up to $387,762, a $100,00 low interest loan, and use of township property for project parking.

“Chassell Township embraced the MEDC’s Redevelopment Ready Community process, worked to update and improve the application and enforcement of land use ordinances, invested in community amenities and infrastructure, and were ready for T&J Properties of Chassell when they stepped forward to look at this property,” said Jeff Ratcliffe, executive director of the Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance. “This project will be transformational for Chassell and our area, providing much needed housing and demonstrating how a project like this can happen.”