On July 16th, 2019 local stakeholders and media were given a Hard Hat Tour for a first look at the old site of the YWCA. 301 E. Third Street between Stevens and Wallenberg streets will now be home to The Marketplace Apartment Complex. The new $19.5 million complex is a 75-unit apartment complex with 4,600 square feet of commercial space and 17 townhouses.
Amenities will include a fitness center, a community center, a gazebo with a barbecue area and a playground. The units will feature stainless steel appliances, and in-unit washers and dryers. The apartments will have balconies and the townhouses will have porches. All units available for move-in by Jan 2020. It is predicted to be a mix of married couples, young professionals, college students, and families. Rent will range from $550- $1200, depending on the size of the space and renter’s income. Businesses have the opportunity to lease one of the approximately 1,500-square-foot commercial spas located below the apartments.
The project is being financed with Tax Credits allocated by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority as well as a grant from a Community Revitalization Program from the Michigan Economic Development Corp. It is also funded by a foundation grant, conventional mortgage and developer equity.
Check out some of the news coverage of the hard hat tour:
(FLINT, Mich. – July 16, 2019) Today, PK Companies and Uptown Reinvestment
Corp. (URC) hosted a Hard Hat Tour for local dignitaries and media to provide a
first-hand look at the redevelopment project underway on the site of the former
YWCA building.
The Marketplace Apartment complex – bounded by east 3rd,
Wallenberg, Stevens and east 4th streets – will be a four-story
mixed-use apartment building on the north end of the block, townhomes on the
southern end, and parking in the middle of the block. The apartment building
will also feature three retail spaces (a total of 4,600 square feet) on the corner
of Wallenberg and 3rd. The $19.5-million project is slated for
completion by January 2020.
Participants toured portions of the first- and second-floors
of the north building as well as one of the townhouses.
“There has been a great deal of interest in this project and,
now that it has really begun to take shape, we’re excited to provide an
up-close look at our progress to-date,” said Chris Potterpin, vice president of
PK Companies, a family-owned real estate firm based in Okemos. “This was also
an opportunity to publicly thank our project investors and partners for their
engagement and support in transforming this site.”
The apartment building will include a mix of one- and
two-bedroom units with modern amenities and fixtures, including central heat
and air conditioning and in-unit laundry. The townhomes will have individual
entrances and be a mix of two and three-bedrooms. The development will include
a fitness room, community lounge, playground and a plaza in the center of the
development with a pavilion and barbecue area.
The project will feature a total of 92 units, with half of
the residences provided as an affordable living option to the community.
“Marketplace Apartments is part of a continual effort by
Uptown Reinvestment to move economic development forward in downtown Flint,”
said CFO Stephanie Fenton. “One of our goals is to increase the resident
population by satisfying the growing demand for downtown living in Flint.”
The site is situated two blocks south of the Flint Farmers’
Market and catty-corner from the MTA transit center. It is also within a few
blocks of the Capitol Theatre, the retail corridor on Saginaw Street and the
University of Michigan-Flint campus.
The project is being financed with tax credits allocated by
the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), a Community
Revitalization Program grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corp.,
foundation grants, a conventional mortgage and developer equity.
“This
project is helping to revitalize downtown Flint, providing much-needed
affordable living options while building a community,” said Mark McDaniel,
Cinnaire president & CEO. “Marketplace Apartments is a model for community
development, meeting a critical need to provide affordable housing with
proximity to public transportation, healthy food options, green space and
cultural opportunities. Cinnaire is grateful for the opportunity to have
partnered with these mission-driven partners as an example of public-private
partnerships helping make a positive impact in our communities.”
PK Companies creates and manages multifamily housing and
commercial properties through community partnerships that enrich the lives of
residents and neighborhoods. PK has been delivering high-quality developments
for over 25 years and specializes in affordable housing using various
government financing programs. PK has received six housing tax credit awards in
Michigan over the last four application rounds.
If you are interested
in becoming a resident of the Marketplace, please contact PK Housing and
Management at 810-701-9864 or visit www.flintmarketplace.com.
Flint, MI – The Flint Farmers’ Market and several community partners announced improvements and changes for the market at a press conference and ribbon cutting held today in the market atrium.
A bright purple ribbon was cut in the newly remodeled ELGA Credit Union Demonstration Kitchen. The demonstration kitchen is a fully functional commercial kitchen. It is used as a platform to showcase local culinary talent as well as to hold nutritional classes orchestrated by several of the market’s community partners including MSU Extension and the Hurley Children’s Center. Additionally, it is rented for private cooking classes and small events. “ELGA Credit Union is delighted to join the thriving Flint Farmers’ Market Community by sponsoring the Demonstration Kitchen. The space allows local organizations to host cooking demonstrations that teach residents how to explore healthy lifestyles and learn about the importance of nutrition for health and wellness,” said Karen Church, ELGA Credit Union CEO. The ribbon cutting marks the start of a new partnership between ELGA and the Flint Farmers’ Market and comes on the heels of the opening of a brand new ELGA Credit Union branch in downtown Flint. Market Manager Karianne Martus added, “We are so excited to unveil our new and improved kitchen with the support of ELGA Credit Union. ELGA is committed to our community and we are proud to have them as part of our market family and look forward to the wonderful impact we will make together!”
June 2019 marks the 5th anniversary of the Flint Farmers’ Market in its current site at 300 East First Street. According to market management there is much to celebrate:
535,000 customers a year (up from 250,000 at old site)
45 year-round indoor vendors (up from 30 at old site)
35 seasonal outdoor vendors May through December
3 premiere (150+ people) venues and 2 small (25 people) venues that house more than 250 community, public and private events each year
continued partnership with local, state and federal agencies that provide food assistance to those in need
2 commercial incubator kitchens that provide resources for budding food entrepreneurs
multiple awards and accolades over the years including being named one of the GREAT PUBLIC SPACES in AMERICA by the American Planning Association
serving as a model for other markets across the state and across the country
“We are so proud of all of these accomplishments, it has been an amazing five years thanks to the support of the greater-Flint community,” said Martus adding, “However we are not stopping now!” Today marked the unveiling of the new “Pavilion Patio” located at the west end of the outdoor market pavilion. This section of the pavilion has been remodeled to include space for Food Trucks (every market day) and the Flint Handmade Guild Arts & Crafts Street Fair (Saturdays). The festive new space includes picnic tables, indoor outdoor grass carpet and patio themed decorations. The market’s outdoor pavilion is sponsored by HAP.
Representatives from HAP were on hand to celebrate the new Pavilion Patio and also to announce news of a continuing partnership. HAP’s Director of Mid-Michigan Marketing and Community Outreach Bridget Hollingsworth told the crowd, “We are so pleased to announce that our partnership with the market will continue for the next three years. HAP will continue to utilize the Flint Farmers’ Market to provide information, awareness and programming to the greater-Flint community. This is just one of the many ways we support HAP’s mission of enhancing the health and wellbeing of the lives we touch.” On most market days customers can find a representative from HAP or one of its affiliates onsite in the market atrium to answer questions and offer resources for those in need.
While the market has had many successes, it has not been without some growing pains especially related to weekday parking. The market is located directly across from the main MTA bus terminal. MTA General Manger Ed Benning shared this news today, “As a longtime friend of the market MTA has been working to find solutions to parking challenges created by our now bustling downtown. Today we announce that the MTA Flint Trolley has returned and is transporting people to the Flint Farmer’s Market Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every 15 minutes.” Market customers are encouraged to park at the University of Flint-Michigan S Lot and take the Trolley to the Market, however they can also be picked up at the following sites:
UM Flint “S” lot
Northbank Center
Churchills
Flint Farmers’ Market
3rd and Wallenberg
Saginaw and Second NB
UM Flint Pavilion
Soggy Bottom
As summer season approaches, downtown is gearing up for many festivals and events that also impact the market. This year, for the first time ever, the market will be OPEN on Crim FRIDAY (August 23) from 9 am to 5 pm and be CLOSED on Crim Saturday (August 24). According to Crim Race Director, Andy Younger this news was met with much appreciation from the Crim organization, “We are so excited to have the opportunity to showcase our great Farmers’ Market to people coming to the Crim Expo on Thursday and Friday this year. We are also thrilled to be able to offer additional parking spaces on race day. A huge thanks to the Market and its vendors for being so flexible and welcoming to Crim racers!” The market will offer discounts and specials to race participants who show their race registration on Thursday and Friday. The market is planning to have live music and cooking demos throughout the day as to showcase the market to the many out of town guests who participate in the Crim. Additionally, the Friday shopping option offers regular market shoppers a chance to get their shopping done without worrying about road closures and crowds from the Crim on Saturday.
Keeping with the theme of customer service and community partnerships, the market is getting ready to launch a new online shopping, pick up and delivery service. Brent Diggs Jr. announced the opening of his Upick Grocery Delivery Service through the Flint Farmers’ Market. Diggs attends Ferris State University and is majoring in Business Administration. He has created a shopping and delivery service for the people in the community who are not able to reach locally grown products on a daily basis. “I am a proud alumnus of the Mott Community College Culinary Arts program. I have a huge interest in the quality of the food that we consume. I want to take on this platform to let the community know how important it is to shop local from the farm to table products. I believe the Flint Farmers’ Market is the best source to get your groceries from and now customers can shop from several vendors thru Upick Grocery,” said Diggs. “In keeping with the spirit of the market we are pleased to encourage another young entrepreneur while also enhancing our customers’ experience,” added Martus. The pilot program will begin in June to fine tune the service. Full availability and access to the general public is expected by July.
Following the press conference and ribbon cutting guests were treated to a reception hosted by ELGA in the ELGA Credit Union Demonstration Kitchen.
The Flint Farmers’ Market is located at 300 East First Street and is open Tuesdays and Thursdays 9 am to 6 pm and Saturdays 8 am to 5 pm. For more information please contact Market Manager, Karianne Martus, 810.964.5325 or kariannemartus@gmail.com.
LANSING, MICH. – Six Michigan preservation projects today were awarded Governor’s Awards for Historic Preservation during a special ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda hosted by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) at MSHDA.
“Historic structures and archaeological sites help to anchor our communities,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “These projects contribute to our economy and strengthen the neighborhoods we call home. When we can educate people about our state’s unique past and inspire curiosity in new skills that could lead to job opportunities, we are helping to build a stronger Michigan.”
Now in its 16th year, the award program was created by SHPO to celebrate outstanding historic preservation achievements that reflect a commitment to the preservation of Michigan’s unique character and the many archaeological sites and historic structures that document our rich past.
“Each year during National Historic Preservation Month the Governor’s Award program gives us an opportunity to recognize and thank just some of the people responsible for preserving Michigan’s rich cultural heritage,” said State Historic Preservation Officer Brian Conway. “The projects we recognize are a fraction of the work being done throughout the state to transform communities through the preservation of historic buildings and archaeological sites.”
National Historic Preservation Month was established in 1973 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation to help local preservation groups, historical societies, and communities promote historic places and heritage tourism and to demonstrate the social and economic benefits of historic preservation. This year’s award recipients spearheaded projects that saved special places, increased economic activity and continue to educate residents and visitors about Michigan’s history.
“From passionate homeowners to large collaborative projects, these recipients exemplify some of the highest standards of historic preservation,” said MSHDA Acting Executive Director Gary Heidel.
The 2019 Governor’s Award recipients are:
Mitchell Cobbs Building LLC and the city of Cadillac for the rehabilitation of the Cobbs and Mitchell Building, Cadillac
Roxbury Group, Artisan Contracting Co., Infuz Ltd. Architects and Kidorf Preservation Consulting for the rehabilitation of the Cadillac House, Lexington
Friends of the Capitol Theatre LLC, The Christman Company, and DLR Group for the rehabilitation of the Capitol Theatre, Flint
New GAR LLC, Integrity Building Group and Sachse Construction for the rehabilitation of the Grand Army of the Republic Building, Detroit
Tim and Kerry Bennett for the restoration of the Warner Historic Homestead and associated archaeological education program near Brighton
Michigan Historic Preservation Network for its innovative Preservation Trades Programs, statewide
To learn about previous recipients of Governor’s Awards for Historic Preservation, go to www.michigan.gov/SHPO and click on SHPO Programs & Projects.
(FLINT, Mich. – May 7, 2019) The historic Capitol Theatre is a recipient of this year’s Governor’s Awards for Historic Preservation. The richly detailed, ornate theatre – which reopened in December 2017 after a $32-million renovation – has emerged as the crown jewel of the performance arts and entertainment scene in the ongoing revitalization of downtown Flint.
The history of the theatre is not only important for the sense of place and pride it promotes but is critical in the overall vision of a resurgent city.
“This is truly an honor for the City of Flint and for all of the hard work and craftsmanship that went into restoring this gem to its original splendor,” said Tim Herman, president of Uptown Reinvestment Corp., which redeveloped the facility and supervised its renovation. “The Capitol Theatre is a real hit for Flint & Genesee, and it would not have been possible without the great partnerships that were forged to make it all possible.”
Mark Sinila, chief operating officer of the Flint Cultural Center Corp., echoed Herman’s remarks.
“The Capitol, along with being an architectural jewel, is a state-of-the-art performance arts theatre. It is a tremendous addition to our portfolio of entertainment venues in Flint,” said Sinila, interim director of The Whiting, which manages theatre operations.
The Michigan State Historic Preservation Office selected the Capitol Theatre project for:
Showing a commitment to “doing the job right” reflecting the highest preservation standards and ethics;
Reflecting a spirit of cooperation and teamwork by bringing together varied partners;
Leveraging the SHPO/State Archaeology programs or expertise or other state incentive programs;
Having strong support from and/or direct involvement from community members.
“The collaboration between the nonprofit sector, Michigan Economic Development Corp. and private foundations underscores the hard work needed to bring a complex project such as the Capitol Theatre rehabilitation to fruition,” said State Historic Preservation Officer Brian D. Conway. “Careful attention was paid to restoring many of the historic features of the building and auditorium while modernizing it for today’s audiences. This project has brightened the community and the Flint area has a new destination for education and entertainment.”
The Capitol was designed by the world-renowned architect John Eberson and constructed and developed by WS Butterfield Theatres, Inc. in 1928. Built in Italian renaissance style, one ceiling was designed after the outer vestibule of St. Peter’s Cathedral in Rome and interior walls recreate views of buildings that evoke old Italy.
The Governor’s Awards for Historic Preservation are presented in May during National Historic Preservation Month and recognize, among others, developers who transform underutilized historic structures into vital economic assets while striving to preserve Michigan’s important historic and cultural resources.
For the Governor’s Award news release, click here.
High-profile spaces on city’s main street to attract small businesses, add diversity to commercial district
Latest development another crucial step toward economic revitalization
LANSING, Mich. – From urban centers to small cities to some of the state’s most charming villages, there’s one compelling feature of all successful downtowns – a distinctive range of small businesses with uniquely local appeal. With the development of a high-profile space in downtown Flint, Uptown Reinvestment Corp. is adding that essential ingredient to the ongoing development of the city’s main street.
“This is continued evidence that the city of Flint is rebounding and this investment assists our small businesses and entrepreneurs with access to space in the growing downtown retail environment,” said Flint Mayor Dr. Karen W. Weaver.
Michigan Strategic Fund board approved a $200,000 Michigan Community Revitalization Performance-based grant to support URC’s $1.4-million development that restores what has been an obsolete building into six high-profile spaces for small retail business in downtown Flint. The project is expected to create 15 full-time equivalent jobs. The city of Flint is supporting the project with a 12-year Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act tax abatement valued at $50,000.
The latest downtown development endeavor is a complementary piece in a larger economic-development picture and continues the private-investment momentum into Flint. Likely tenants in the new space will have a smaller footprint, and add a distinctive entrepreneurial quality to a site nearby Mott Community College’s culinary school.
The latest development in the ongoing economic reformation of Flint comes after last month’s MSF support for the redevelopment of the former YWCA site in downtown Flint. The project will transform the site into a walkable, urban mixed-used development with 92 market-rate and affordable housing units, and four new retail spaces.
In June, the MSF supported the $16.5-million plan to renovate the old Coolidge Elementary School on Flint’s west side into apartments and business space with a $1 million performance grant. Plans call for converting the former school into 54 mixed-income apartments and first-floor commercial space.
“These successful developments throughout Flint are built on collaboration and give many reasons to feel like the team approach to economic development will pay more dividends in the years ahead,” said Jeff Mason, CEO, Michigan Economic Development, which administers programs and performs due diligence on behalf of MSF, which funds the development grants.
“Collaboration, open dialogue and productive relationships with all stakeholders have proven to be a winning formula and has created positive momentum and is attracting businesses, private investors and visitors,” he said.
URC renovated the Capitol Theatre, which opened in the fall of 2017 and is the developer of the Mott Community College Culinary Institute in downtown. The Flint-based developer is also transforming the long-vacant Genesee County State Savings Bank building into a 100-room hotel and full-service restaurant.
Cinnaire, in partnership with Chase, provided a $9 million New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) allocation supporting the brand new Mott Culinary facility in downtown Flint.
The new Culinary Arts Institute provides an expanding curriculum and student-operated restaurant service including baked goods cage and support community events in the downtown area. This also enables MCC to increase program capacity and provides expanded presence in downtown Flint, creating future collaboration efforts with Health and Wellness District partners.
The expansion will bring new students to the area, with building capacity to be able to hold 400 students. The restaurant industry has a projected growth of 1.7 million jobs by 2025.
The renovations created two culinary arts teaching kitchens, two bakery and pastry arts teaching kitchens, a meat fabrication teaching laboratory, a dining space connected to a baked good cafe and a large, dividable meeting space to teach different aspects of the foodservice industry to students.
“I believe the future of retail is small businesses,” says Glam Box owner Deria Brown.
Born and raised in the North side of Flint, Deria Brown opens her third clothing boutique, featuring clothing, accessories, shoes, vintage home goods, soaps and body care products. Being a product of the city, she is happy to do her part in adding to its success and is very eager to boost her brand.
Research before and after opening each shop helps to make the best efforts possible in her stores adapting in being the most successful. The goal of Glam Box is to create memorable, personal shopping experiences, and has received a lot of ongoing support from the Downtown Flint Community.
Flint native Jason Trice is not only a businessman in fashion, but he is all about lifting up Flint and supporting what it stands for. Born and raised on Flint’s North-side, he graduated from Flint Northern and went on to Grand Valley State University to play football. After graduating, Trice taught and coached for GVSU, and was inducted into the GVSU Athletic Hall of fame, discovering his interest in business and fashion while helping the athletic department develop its attire.
The brand was featured in nationwide “InStyle” magazine as the must-have comfy sweatshirt for actress Gabrielle Union. With its unique design, Trice first developed the Bedrock brand – a sweatshirt with multi-colored lettering spelling out Bedrock across the chest.
Bedrock isn’t only about clothes – it’s about Flint, and its strong roots, surviving and thriving. “ A brand built on moral integrity. The Contents of One’s Character Carried out in One’s Clothing. Stay Rock Solid,” is what the Bedrock site is all about. Bedrock is about “being strong, having a strong foundation and being able to go for it without fear of failure.”
Located at the corner of Second Street and Brush Alley, The Eberson opened this summer on June 4th, making it the first official arcade bar, including stand-up arcade games, pinball, shuffleboard, as well as old fashioned tabletop card games.
The Eberson highlights a full bar with mixed drinks, craft cocktails and a 16 tap draft beer list. The Eberson was named after John Eberson, the original architect of the Capitol Theatre building by co-owner Spencer Ruegsegger.
This new and unique bar scene brings an interesting and exciting prospective to Flint and the already successful bar scene and is expected to draw a very mixed crowd, from college students to business professionals, to an after-venue crowd.
A new addition to Downtown Flint’s hospitality is a 101-guestroom hotel, the Hilton Buckham Square. The project is expected to generate almost $40 million of investment and about $7.9 million in MCRP funds. The state agency and investment partner, Michigan Economic Development Corp (MEDC) has funded the Michigan Community Revitalization Program project for the hotel.
The former Genesee County Bank is located at 352 S. Saginaw St, a property vacant for almost 20 years. The project will serve to attract more visitors to the downtown and bring increased economic activity to the area and will provide about 75 permanent full-time jobs.
As businesses continue to grow downtown, the hotel will be a great new location to the city of Flint making it a place to “live, work and play”.
A lot of new and exciting change is happening here in downtown Flint. In October of 2018, The Michigan Economic Development Corp. approved a $200,000 Michigan Community Revitalization Program performance-based grant to renovate the former Perry Drug building. The building currently holds three business of six retail units and made the most sense to be developed as retail space.
Michigan’s oldest artist-run nonprofit contemporary art gallery – Buckham Gallery, as well as men’s custom clothing and grooming shop – KeLan Foard The Brand and Elga Credit Union, the center of the storefront, have all made a home in the newly restored building.
URC president, Tim Herman shares, “By renovating the Perry building into a small retail hub, we are providing entrepreneurs and small businesses – many incubated at the Ferris Wheel, the Flint Farmers’ Market and Factory Two – with access to appropriate-sized spaces that will allow them to grow into the next phase of their business.”
Not only does this project bring an empty building to use, but it’s also helping redevelop downtown Flint, and this is just the start.
The Michigan Strategic Fund Board approved a $7 million loan to support a $19.5 million project that will bring housing and retail to the former YWCA site. The building will house 92 residences and four retail spaces, as a four-story building known as the Flint Market Place Apartments project.
The projected completion date is projected to be completed by the fall of 2019. The idea behind the building is to get more affordable housing, to get more people living downtown.
Apartments will include one and two-bedroom units, where the townhomes will have individual entrances and have two and three bedrooms.
After maintenance became too time-consuming the WCA moved to the nearby Phoenix Building on Saginaw Street in 2016.
