Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced on Tuesday the approval of several major projects that are expected to create hundreds of jobs in Michigan.
The Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) approved incentives for projects in Grand Rapids, Greenville and Northville.
“The projects approved today will spur more than $740 million in investment and create and secure up to 566 jobs, while making our cities better places to live, work and invest,” Whitmer said.
In Grand Rapids, the Transformational Brownfield Plan – a $700 million investment proposed by developer Grand Action 2.0 – received support to build several mixed-use development projects, green spaces, a soccer stadium and an amphitheater along the Grand River.
The project highlights of the Transformational Brownfield Plan mentioned by those responsible include:
- The Acrisure Amphitheater is planned to be a 27,500-square-foot, 12,160-seat, world-class entertainment center. A public paved waterfront promenade will connect the amphitheater to the Grand River, allowing for walks, runs, bike rides and green space along the riverfront.
- A 21-story mixed-use building with 475 market-rate rental apartments, 3,660 square feet of retail space and 475 parking spaces.
- A 12,000-square-foot soccer stadium is planned to be built west of downtown, which will house the only major professional league team in Grand Rapids and will feature a full-size soccer field for national and international games.
- The Stadium District Tower will be an 18-story mixed-use commercial building with parking garage located north of the stadium. The building will include retail/restaurant space, office space and 260 residential units, marking the area as a new destination neighborhood within the city.
- A 224 foot long pedestrian bridge.
According to officials, the $252.3 million project is expected to generate more than $700 million in investment, create 735 housing units and secure 250 new jobs.
“On behalf of the Grand Action 2.0 Co-Chairs and our project partners, I want to extend my sincere gratitude to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Michigan Strategic Fund and the City of Grand Rapids for their tremendous support,” said Kara Wood, Executive Director of Grand Action 2.0. “This project has been a true community collaboration. Hundreds of people have contributed their voices, expertise, advice, resources, support and encouragement because they understand the impact this project will have on our community for generations. Encouraged by the approval of our Transformational Brownfield Plan by the Michigan Strategic Fund, I look forward to continuing this strong public-private partnership as we work together to bring the amphitheater, stadium and mixed-use redevelopment project across the finish line.”
In Greenville, the MSF Board of Directors approved support for the expansion of Northland Corporation’s refrigerator manufacturing facility, an investment of $21.4 million.
The Northland Corporation was founded in Greenville in 1892 and is, according to official figures, the oldest refrigeration company in North America and the fifth largest employer in the city.
The project, supported by a $1.28 million grant from the Michigan Business Development Program, is expected to create 200 new jobs and secure 116 existing jobs.
“We are excited to expand our manufacturing facility in Michigan,” said Andy Doberstein, President of Northland Corporation. “This state is home to a remarkable workforce and we are excited to leverage their talents to produce even more cutting-edge refrigeration products. Our commitment to innovation and quality will continue to fuel our growth and success in this great community.”
More information about Northland Corporation, including career opportunities, can be found online.
In southeast Michigan, MSF supported developer Hunter Pasteur’s proposed redevelopment of a former horse racing track and brownfield site in Northville.
The project, officials say, will transform the 7.85 acres into a recreational area, including clearing a section of the Rogue River and developing an adjacent park. It will also reactivate a contaminated site to increase environmental and recreational benefits for the community.
The project is supported by the Brownfield Act 381 work plan, is valued at approximately $2 million, and is supported by the city through local tax revenues of approximately $11,996,734. Overall, the estimated total project investment is $17.7 million.
“The transformative and highly significant green infrastructure project known as the future River Park will create critical benefits for the City of Northville, Oakland and Wayne counties, and the State of Michigan, including stormwater detention, habitat and plant life restoration, floodplains, pedestrian and bicycle connections, historic preservation, community gatherings and recreation, to name a few,” said Seth Herkowitz, partner and COO at Hunter Pasteur.
