MARQUETTE — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has announced three redevelopment projects receiving support from the bipartisan Revitalization and Placemaking program, creating 60 total housing units in Marquette, Escanaba and Cadillac. Together, the projects will generate a total capital investment of over $16.5 million in the state while attracting residents to their downtown communities.

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

In the city of Marquette, a vacant, 8,000-square-foot building located at 401 W. Washington St. will be redeveloped to create a four-story, mixed-use development, adding 11 residential units, two commercial spaces, and lower-level indoor parking to downtown. When complete, the project will strengthen downtown Marquette by adding residential density, increasing foot traffic in the area, and supporting local businesses.

The project is being awarded a $1.5 million RAP grant to support the cost of construction on the vacant, blighted building, and is expected to bring a total capital investment of $4,803,602. The Marquette County Land Bank is supporting the project with a $46,000 Blight Elimination Grant and the Marquette Brownfield Redevelopment Authority approved an Act 381 Brownfield Housing TIF Plan with an estimated value of $1,131,825 in further support of the redevelopment.

401 W. Washington LLC, and its development partner Midwest Construction Group have extensive experience in construction, renovation, and redevelopment projects across Michigan. Their portfolio – which includes projects in Holland, Zeeland, and Hastings – reflects a strong track record of delivering high-quality developments that contribute to community and economic growth.

 “We are thrilled to receive this grant and deeply appreciative of the support that has made this project possible,” said the 401 W. Washington development team. “This investment unlocks new, much-needed affordable housing for the city of Marquette, and we could not be more excited to bring this vision to life. This project simply would not have been possible without the support of the MEDC. We extend our sincere thanks to the MEDC, City of Marquette, the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, the Downtown Development Authority, Marquette County Land Bank, and every board, agency, and team member who have worked diligently alongside us to move this forward.”

Added Karen Kovacs, city manager for the city of Marquette: “The Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s $1.5 million RAP grant is pivotal in making this downtown Marquette project a reality.This investment underscores the strength of collaboration between a committed local developer and dedicated state and local agencies. With this support, a long-vacant property will become a vibrant mixed-use development that delivers workforce housing and retail space, fueling economic growth and revitalizing our community.”

In the city of Escanaba, a vacant functionally obsolete building will be redeveloped into a new restaurant space and one-bedroom apartment, attracting foot traffic and adding vibrancy to the city’s downtown. The project builds on the city’s efforts to invest in its downtown through the recent recertification as a Redevelopment Ready Community with the MEDC and significant upgrades to the streetscapes and utilities along Ludington Street.

The project is being awarded a $500,000 RAP grant to assist with redevelopment costs of the former mixed-use building on the site and is expected to bring a total capital investment of $1,064,653. 

Since its launch in 2022, the Revitalization and Placemaking program has supported 249 total projects in communities across the state.