BATTLE CREEK, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Governor Gretchen Whitmer on Tuesday, June 28, joined forces with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation in announcing Michigan Strategic Fund approval of projects, representing an investment of nearly $500 million.
One of those projects is the redevelopment of the vacant 15-story former McCamly Plaza Hotel in the heart of downtown Battle Creek.
Plans call for the building to become a 239-room Double Tree by Hilton hotel which will include a restaurant, green space and outdoor areas accessible to both guests and the public, with the goal of encouraging pedestrian traffic between the hotel and surrounding business district.
Officials say the project expected to generate a total capital investment of $45.2 million and create 165 full-time equivalent jobs, supported by a $7.5 million Michigan Community Revitalization Program performance-based loan participation award.
More than $16 million in local financial support has been raised for the hotel project so far.
Partners in this transformation include the City of Battle Creek, Calhoun County, Calhoun County Visitor Bureau, Kellogg Company, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Miller Foundation, Consumer Energy Foundation, Battle Creek Bronson Hospital and Battle Creek Unlimited.
In addition, the city of Battle Creek is providing an Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act (OPRA) tax abatement valued at approximately $3.23 million.
The city of Battle Creek is certified with MEDC’s Redevelopment Ready Communities (RRC) program.
This project builds on other redevelopment efforts in downtown Battle Creek – including the iconic Heritage Tower’s transformation into The Milton – which continue to attract businesses, residents and visitors to the area.
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