Capitol News

Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) have announced two new redevelopment projects in Hamtramck and Alpena, supported by the Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) program. The initiatives aim to transform vacant properties into housing and commercial spaces, with a combined capital investment exceeding $5.27 million.

The RAP program offers gap financing for infrastructure development and real estate rehabilitation across Michigan. Governor Whitmer said, “Support for these projects in Hamtramck and Alpena underscores our commitment to our ‘Make It in Michigan’ economic development strategy’s focus on the people, places, and projects that are integral to growing Michigan’s economy. Programs like RAP help to create vibrant places that attract and retain talent, add new housing options, enable business creation and attraction, and provide resources for our Michigan communities. Let’s keep working together to get things done for our state.”

Michele Wildman, MEDC’s Senior Vice President of Community Planning and Development Readiness, stated, “On behalf of the MEDC, we are pleased to work with communities across Michigan and invest in their resilience through the RAP program as part of our placemaking efforts in support of the state’s ‘Make It in Michigan’ economic development strategy. We look forward to seeing how these projects bring new opportunities for Downtown Hamtramck and Downtown Alpena.”

In Hamtramck, a former convent at 2705 Caniff will be converted into 10 residential apartments along with nearly 1,900 square feet of commercial space near the city’s downtown intersection. The project is set to receive a $999,047 RAP grant due to high construction costs and expects a total investment of over $2 million. Locally owned businesses will occupy the first floor with support from the Hamtramck Downtown Development Authority and ProsperUs Detroit.

The redevelopment is led by Ladislaus Lofts LC and Ladislaus Paris LC—majority minority-owned entities headed by John Abbo, Chris Burtley, and Milo Madole—who also developed Florian East with previous MEDC support.

Developer Milo Madole commented: “In addition to high-quality and reasonably priced housing, the Ladislaus Project will create space in a historically underserved municipality where small business owners with great talents and ideas are paired with the ongoing support of a local CDFI and nonprofit that can help them to build and grow. Study after study shows that small businesses are the lifeblood of building vibrant communities and economies. This is why the work of the MEDC is so vital. Without the support of the MEDC, the Ladislaus Project would not be possible!”

Isabel Allaway, Community & Economic Development Manager for Hamtramck added: “The Ladislaus Project will be a strong addition to Hamtramck’s growing small business support ecosystem, while bringing new life and housing options to a historic community building. The City is excited that its entrepreneur support partner, ProsperUs, will soon have a permanent physical presence in this building to engage and empower Hamtramck small business owners. Many thanks to the MEDC for being a part of this collaboration.”

In Alpena, an empty bank at 200 W. Chisholm Street will become two commercial spaces aimed at improving downtown walkability and retail diversity. The project has been awarded $904,000 from RAP funds toward an expected total investment exceeding $3 million; tenants include Bay Athletic Club and Thunder Bay Community Health Service Inc.

Thunder Bay Community Health Service Inc., which has managed multiple health facility developments across Northern Michigan since 2009—including expansions in Onaway, Cheboygan, Rogers City, Inland Lakes, Mio, Johannesburg/Lewiston school districts as well as Atlanta and Fairview health centers—is involved in this redevelopment.

Richard Bates MD., CEO of Thunder Bay Community Health Service said: “Thunder Bay Community Health Service extends its sincere gratitude to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Alpena Downtown Development Authority, Target Alpena, City of Alpena, Alpena Chamber of Commerce, and Bay Athletic Club for their invaluable contributions to the revitalization of 200 W. Chisholm St in downtown Alpena. The partnership with Bay Athletic Club in promoting fitness as a cornerstone of personal and community well-being has been particularly instrumental. The support from each of these esteemed organizations has been crucial in transforming this space and fostering a caring and inclusive environment. We are eager about the future our collaboration is shaping and look forward to continuing our impactful work together in Alpena and other Northeast Michigan Communities.”

Additional funding was provided by an Alpena DDA façade grant totaling over $110 thousand plus another $5 thousand contribution.

Alpena City Manager Rachel Smolinski remarked: “The revitalization of 200 West Chisholm Street represents another exciting step forward for downtown Alpena. We’re thrilled to see the collective vision of Thunder Bay Community Health Service and Bay Fitness come to life; transforming a long-vacant property into vibrant active space that will attract people support local businesses—and enhance overall vitality of our community. We are grateful for MEDC’s investment through Revitalization Placemaking Program helping make this project possible.”

Since its inception in 2022—the RAP program has backed more than 240 projects statewide.