Capitol News

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has announced a redevelopment project in Lake Orion that will transform the historic 1927 Lake Orion High School into residential housing and community space. The project, called the Flats and Lofts at West Village, will add 89 housing units and an event space to the village.

The initiative is supported by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s (MEDC) Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) program, which provides gap financing for infrastructure development and real estate rehabilitation. The total capital investment for this project is expected to exceed $31 million.

“Here in Michigan, we believe everyone deserves to have a roof over their heads,” said Governor Whitmer. “That’s why I’m proud to announce this redevelopment project in Lake Orion that will create 89 residential units and an event space. Overall, this $31 million investment bolsters my commitment to make sure everyone can ‘Make it in Michigan’ by increasing affordable housing in our state. Together, let’s keep attracting and retaining talent, enabling business creation, and providing resources for our Michigan communities.”

Michele Wildman, MEDC’s Senior Vice President of Community Planning and Development Readiness, commented on the partnership: “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 the redevelopment of the former high school brings new residents and opportunities to the Village of Lake Orion.”

Kyle J. Westberg, president and CEO of West Construction Services—the developer behind the project—said: “For West Construction Services, the West Village Project is about honoring the past and investing in the future. By thoughtfully transforming this historic school into homes and community space, we’re helping bring new residents, local spending, and lasting value to the Village of Lake Orion, preserving a landmark that has always been part of the village’s story.”

Darwin McClary, village manager for Lake Orion added: “The Flats and Lofts at West Village is an exciting rehabilitation and redevelopment project on the site of the cherished 1927 Lake Orion High School. West Village represents the Village of Lake Orion’s unwavering dedication to historic preservation and adaptive reuse of obsolete buildings. This project also reflects the community’s strong commitment to fostering diverse housing options within our downtown, public event spaces, and unique opportunities for our senior citizens to continue to age in the place they love: beautiful Village of Lake Orion. For these reasons, and others, the Flats and Lofts project is an important addition to the fabric of our community.”

The development will receive a $1.5 million grant from RAP for historic redevelopment costs as well as new construction expenses. In addition to state support, local incentives include a PA-210 Commercial Rehabilitation Act Abatement valued at approximately $1.8 million over eight years from Lake Orion itself; Oakland County has contributed a $20,000 environmental assessment grant.

West Construction Services previously worked on other MEDC-supported projects such as The Strand Theater and Lafayette Place Lofts in Pontiac.

Since its start in 2022, RAP has provided support for more than 240 projects across various Michigan communities.