KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Tuesday, Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) jointly announced a number of manufacturing and community revitalization projects, with one located in Kalamazoo.
619 LLC plans to construct a five-story mixed-use building on the north side of downtown Kalamazoo.
When completed, the “619 Porter Project” will include commercial space and 52 units of rental housing, with a portion of the housing designated for households earning 60 percent of Area Median Income.
Officials say the project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $13.2 million and create 30 full-time equivalent jobs.
Officials add that the project includes a number of sustainable elements and will bring needed housing to the area, transforming an underutilized property into a vibrant development that will “add density and enhance walkability on a brownfield site.”
The project is supported by a $2.2 million Michigan Community Revitalization Program (MCRP) loan participation.
In addition, the City of Kalamazoo Brownfield Redevelopment Authority received Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) approval of $537,226 in state tax capture for the alleviation of brownfield conditions at the site.
The city of Kalamazoo is supporting the project through the local portion of the brownfield plan, valued at $785,014.
“The projects approved today are creating well-paying jobs in West Michigan and supporting affordable housing and entrepreneurial opportunities in communities around the state, and reflect our people-first approach to economic development,” CEO of MEDC and President and Chair of the MSF Board Quentin L. Messer, Jr. said in a statement. “Today’s projects demonstrate our focus on building a championship economy here in Michigan and send a clear message that Michigan is a place where businesses, communities, and people can take risks, succeed, and grow.”
619 Porter Street is located between Ransom and North Streets.
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