Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced on May 5 that three redevelopment projects will receive support from the Revitalization and Placemaking program, bringing new apartments and commercial spaces to Hancock, Manistique, and Marshall.
The initiative aims to revitalize underused properties, address housing shortages, and boost economic activity in key downtown areas. The projects are expected to generate more than $7.6 million in capital investment across the state.
Whitmer said, “Support for these projects in Hancock, Manistique, and Marshall highlights Michigan as the best place to grow and thrive. Our growing economy and ‘Make it in Michigan’ strategy that invests in people, revitalizes places, and wins projects is paying off. Our population is growing, and we’ve been ranked as a top state for opportunity and doing business. Programs like RAP help us build on this progress, attract and retain talented workers, lower costs, build housing, and enrich our communities. Let’s keep working together to get things done for our state.”
In Hancock’s Quincy Street Historic District, the Weider Block building will be restored into a mixed-use site with four apartments above a brewery taproom; this project receives $1.2 million from RAP grants with additional local support. Developer Jonathon Nagel said the restoration “will bring new life into our growing downtown,” while City Manager Mary Babcock added it aligns with priorities of expanding housing.
Manistique’s project involves transforming a vacant building at 109 River Street into three apartments plus storefront space through a $585,820 RAP grant alongside city-backed incentives. Developers Eric Meftah and Emily Navarra-Meftah said their goal was “unlocking underused space to create housing and commercial opportunity that strengthens the community.” State Senator Ed McBroom said such investments “will help revitalize underutilized downtown properties while adding much-needed housing for residents.”
Marshall will see two adjacent buildings redeveloped into eight apartments plus new retail units supported by $1.5 million from RAP grants as well as tax incentives from both MEDC programs and local authorities.
Whitmer leads the executive branch of Michigan overseeing operations based in Lansing according to her official website. She has served as governor since January 2019 according to her official website after leading bipartisan efforts on infrastructure investment according to her official website. Her office provides constituent services including assistance with state agencies according to her official website.
These developments reflect broader efforts by Whitmer’s administration to use public-private partnerships for community revitalization across Michigan.
