by Ramona Watson of Flint Beat September 13, 2024 Updated September 18, 2024
Flint, MI – Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine is in the final stretch of completing the newest addition to its downtown Flint campus — a three-story building to expand public health efforts within the Flint community.
The development is part of a $31.8 million project launched in late 2012 to establish a health, education, and wellness district in downtown Flint.
The newest addition to this emerging hub, located at the intersection of Harrison and E. Second Street, is being funded with $3.4 million in state funds along with more than $16 million in grant money awarded by the Mott Foundation.
The new MSU building, constructed by Uptown Reinvestment Corporation, will be 40,000 square feet and provide extra room for offices, research, and instruction.
“I think that one of the reasons the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation was willing to support this grant, just like the support that they’ve given all over the community, is that this work benefits members of the community,” said Dr. Aron Sousa, Dean of the Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine.
Sousa said the community’s interest in healthy behaviors, behavioral health and chronic disease is the inspiration behind a lot of the work at the college, and in turn, MSU has committed to hiring faculty who work on solutions.
“Our whole point is to be responsive and good collaborators and colleagues with the people in Flint,”said Sousa.
Sousa also highlighted the potential increase in economic development as their efforts for expansion continue.
“Since our expansion…between 150 and 200 jobs in the community, and then with this expansion, we will be hiring 18 new principal investigator faculty, each of whom will develop programs with five or six additional staff and faculty. So we expect to add at least another 100 jobs through MSU,” Sousa said.
In addition, Sousa pointed to an estimated 30 existing community members who are supported by their grants even though they work for other organizations.
“The expansion and the success is really built on the intelligence, dedication, and hard work of the people of Flint who collaborate with us. They are our colleagues, and we appreciate their expertise and everything they do to help other people in Flint, but also then that gets applied to other parts of the state and the country. There are a lot of innovations that have come out of the work of the people of Flint. And I think that’s wonderful,” said Sousa.
The construction of the new space is expected to wrap up in May 2025.
Flint, MI—Construction began on May 4, 2023, on a new mixed-use development in downtown Flint.
The coming five-story building, dubbed “Live Well on Harrison,” will relocate the YMCA of Greater Flint and the Crim Fitness Foundation, house a physical therapy clinic and bring 50 new apartments to the city’s core.
“It is our mission to help other nonprofits in the community by lending our experience and capacity to important projects like this,” Tim Herman, CEO of the building’s developer Uptown Reinvestment Corporation, said at the groundbreaking event on May 4. “Live Well on Harrison is a prime example of what can be accomplished when partners come together to realize a shared vision.”
That now-approved PILOT will see the City of Flint collect a 10% annual service charge on the building rather than property tax, which would’ve equated to roughly $33,000 more per year at full occupancy.
In exchange for the lower annual payments, the developer has guaranteed 19 of the property’s 50 residential units will be income-restricted for affordability, aside from supporting multiple health and wellness service providers, like the YMCA.
“We’re so thrilled to be celebrating with all of you today,” said Shelly Hilton, CEO of the YMCA of Greater Flint. “The programs and services that we are going to be offering at this new facility will be the catalyst to transform lives.”
Hilton went on to thank her staff, board and the project’s donors, including the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, which offered a $16.5 million grant, and another $1 million donor who chose to remain anonymous.
But as she went on to thank NBA star and Flint-native Kyle Kuzma, who was among the attendees and had himself donated $1 million to the development, her voice caught a moment.
“My staff was all, like, taking bets if this was gonna happen or not,” she said with a smile. “Kyle represents the potential we see in every kid who walks through our doors to achieve their dreams. To each of you, thank you.”
Construction of Live Well on Harrison is expected to be complete by the end of 2024. Joe Martin, Uptown’s director of development, estimated the overall project cost will total a bit over $40 million.
by Kate Stockrahm of Flint Beat
Flint, MI—Uptown Reinvestment Corporation is teaming up with Michigan Community Capital to redevelop Flint’s vacant and blighted properties for homeownership.
The 50/50 partnership, called Flint Homeownership Initiative, LLC, is focused on redeveloping Flint’s Genesee County Land Bank parcels into market-rate homes through a process called “infilling” — or building on unused or underused property within an existing development pattern.
“We’ve addressed a significant level of blight, and so now what we’re hearing from residents is ‘How can we turn this into new development opportunities?’” said Moses Timlin, who joined Uptown from the Genesee County Land Bank last month. “And filling in vacant spaces with housing was the number one thing we’ve heard through every planning process we’ve done over the last three years.”
FHI’s first redevelopment project will be three parcels on West Second Avenue in Flint’s Carriage Town neighborhood. The property at 412 W. Second Ave., a former multifamily development, will host two duplexes, and 417 and 427 W. Second Ave. will be redeveloped into single-family homes.
“We wanted to start somewhere where there was a cohesive neighborhood strategy,” said Joe Martin, Director of Development for Uptown, about why Flint Homeownership Initiative decided to begin work in the historic neighborhood.
“This is a way to kind of help formalize some partnerships,” Timlin added. “If you look at Carriage Town right now, Communities First is doing two housingprojects; Habitat for Humanity is doing facade repairs; the (Carriage Town) Neighborhood Association does neighborhood improvement projects every year. So there’s a lot of really terrific ingredients.”
Martin said FHI is “uniquely positioned” to do this type of redevelopment because Uptown and Michigan Community Capital are both non-profit community development corporations.
“There is a complex financial structure involved and it does—as in almost every development in Flint—cost more to build than we can sell them for,” Martin said, while noting that’s a risk many private developers won’t take on.
That complex financial structure involves brownfield tax increment financing, an agreement between the city and FHI which will use the parcels’ increased taxable value from redevelopment to reimburse FHI for costs associated with that development.
“Qualifying for brownfields helps to offset a lot of the environmental work that needs to be done,” explained Eric Kehoe, real estate development manager at Michigan Community Capital.
Between brownfield TIFs and grant funding, Flint Homeownership Initiative hopes to fill an estimated $1.2 million gap between the development cost for the Carriage Town units and their ultimate sale prices.
But that financing won’t just mitigate FHI’s risk in taking on the project, it also helps ensure the resulting six homes can be offered at an affordable price point for Flint’s middle-income homebuyers.
“Market rate developers are going to find the least expensive land they can and build the most expensive products they can,” Kehoe said. “And that kind of leaves out a lot of people in the middle who are middle-income—teachers, nurses, firefighters—who don’t qualify for low-income housing but they also can’t afford the luxury market-rate homes.”
“That’s the type of project and product that we’re trying to put on the market,” Kehoe said, and brownfield TIFs and grant funding will help FHI market its Carriage Townhomes in the $150-170k range—an “attainable” price point for the teachers, nurses, and firefighters Kehoe mentioned.
Neither Michigan Community Capital nor Uptown could offer a final timeline for the development as they are currently in the permitting and approvals phase. However, both seemed hopeful for what the success of this project could mean for Flint’s future development.
“We are really optimistic that this initial investment into the neighborhood is going to help start some more redevelopment efforts and some more community development citywide,” Kehoe said.
“I think this is a really unique opportunity to build equity into homeowners that may be unable to participate in homeownership in other communities because they’re priced out of the market,” Joe Martin, development director at Uptown, said. “It has a long-run goal in mind.”
December 3, 2020- News Release
Today, General Motors (GM) and the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce announce a second round of its grant program created to help Flint small businesses grow and thrive. Thanks to $210,000 in additional funding from GM, the Moving Flint Forward Small Business Grant Program will award grants of up to $10,000 to small businesses in Flint that meet certain criteria.
The grants, which will be awarded on a competitive basis, must be used to advance the businesses’ operations, such as expansion projects, making repairs or leasehold improvements, purchasing inventory and equipment, or façade improvements. Online-only businesses are also encouraged to apply. Additionally, GM has earmarked 10 grants for minority-owned businesses, as defined by race and ethnicity, to help address racial disparities in the community.
“GM has been part of the Flint community for more than 100 years,” said Terry Rhadigan, GM’s executive director of corporate giving. “We’re eager to continue our partnership with the Flint & Genesee Chamber to expand revitalization efforts across the city’s neighborhoods by supporting local businesses.”
“General Motors is an outstanding corporate citizen of our community,” said Chamber CEO Tim Herman. “On behalf of our small business community and the people they employ, I again say thank you to GM for its investments in Flint and Genesee County. From the capital investments in its automotive operations here to its corporate philanthropy that greatly impacts the lives of our people and institutions, GM continues to be an invaluable stakeholder and partner in our region’s progress.”
Much like the previous round, this year’s program is open to anyone who owns and operates a small business within the city of Flint. Small businesses for this program are defined as having 25 or fewer employees and may not be a franchise operation. Applications will be reviewed by a committee comprised of representatives from GM, the Flint & Genesee Chamber, the City of Flint, local grant-making organizations and community members.
Technical assistance will be provided to assist with the application process, implementation and tracking of grant activities to ensure requirements are met and businesses are using funds appropriately. Grantees will also be connected to resources that will help bolster the capacity of their businesses beyond the grant period. Grantees will have access to networking opportunities and workshops on various topics, such as online digitization of services/goods, leadership styles, navigating access to capital, workers’ compensation and labor laws.
The application is available at flintandgenesee.org/moving-flint-forward/moving-flint-forward-small-business-grant-program/.
The application deadline is 5 p.m. Dec. 30. Applications may be submitted online, mailed or hand-delivered to the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce, 519 S. Saginaw St., Flint, 48502. Mailed application must be postmarked by 5 p.m. Dec. 30.
In addition, an informational webinar for prospective applicants will be held Dec. 8 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. The webinar, which will be streamed live on Facebook and YouTube, will cover eligibility requirements, use of funds. Click here for event details.
More information about the Moving Flint Forward Small Business Grant Program, including the online application, process for completion and submission deadline, is available at FlintandGenesee.org/Moving-Flint-Forward. For questions about the application or grant program, please contact tjoseph@flintandgenesee.org.
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About General Motors
General Motors (NYSE:GM) is a global company committed to delivering safer, better and more sustainable ways for people to get around. General Motors, its subsidiaries and its joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac, Baojun and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety and security services, can be found at https://www.gm.com.
About the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce
Serving the community for over 100 years, the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce is a premier business membership organization unlike most chambers of commerce. In addition to traditional member services, our responsibility includes serving as the lead economic development agency for Flint & Genesee, marketing tourism, and youth and business training. For more information, visit www.flintandgenesee.org.
FLINT, MI — The long-awaited Hilton Garden Inn in downtown Flint will be open Monday, a project that “invigorates Flint’s skyline,” officials say.
The Hilton Garden Inn, a $37.9 million, 11-story hotel in the downtown area, is currently taking room reservations for Monday, Nov. 2 and onward. Sauce Italian American Kitchen and Bar and The Federal Coffee House, a restaurant and café attached to the Hilton, will also be open to the public Monday.
The hotel held a media event Friday, Oct. 30. The location includes an upscale Italian restaurant, meeting rooms and banquet center and a rooftop lounge and deck that offers view of Flint’s horizons. There is also a ground floor coffee shop in the building’s southeast corner where Kearsley and Saginaw streets meet.
The opening of the Hilton Garden Inn is a step forward in the revitalization of Flint, said Tim Herman, president of Uptown Reinvestment Corp., the project’s developer. Herman is also the CEO of the Flint and Genesee Chamber of Commerce.
“Not only does the hotel bring needed accommodations to downtown, it is bringing new jobs,” Herman said. “In fact, it’s a lightning rod for increased activity and spending in the area.”
While it has been difficult working to open a hotel amid a pandemic, Herman said the hotel has been able to establish safety protocols for its patrons, including extra sanitation and establishing limited restaurant capacity.
The Hilton Garden Inn Flint Downtown will staff 45 full-time and 15 part-time employees, Herman said. In addition, he said many jobs have been created through the renovation of the building.
The hotel will provide a significant boost for downtown businesses, said Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley.
The hotel transforms the former 1920s-era Genesee County Savings Bank building, 110 W. Kearsley St., which also once housed the Flint Office of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and a real estate firm. Plans to redevelop the building began in 2017.
The 148,470-square-foot building’s architectural style is Italian Renaissance Revival with Art Deco elements added in 1947.
The adjacent grand banking hall has been converted into the home of Sauce Italian American Kitchen. The mezzanine level offers additional restaurant seating and serves as a pre-function area to the meeting rooms and banquet spaces on the second floor.
“This development restores one of Flint’s iconic historic buildings and is a cornerstone piece of our city’s ongoing economic development,” Neeley said. “The City of Flint welcomes the Hilton Garden Inn and all of its guests. We look forward to showing even more visitors all that Flint has to offer — and bringing even more tourism dollars to support our growing network of entrepreneurs.”
Valet parking is provided around the clock for $15 per day. Self-parking is also available at the nearby Rutherford Garage.
“Bringing new life to a historic downtown building, the Hilton Garden Inn Flint Downtown is a tremendous example of the innovative placemaking the MEDC is proud to support,” said Michele Wildman, senior vice president of community development at the Michigan Economic Development Corp. “This new development is an incredible asset for local tourism efforts and hospitality industry in the region while also contributing to the overall vibrancy of downtown Flint.”
Project support through the Michigan Strategic Fund included a $7.95 million Michigan Community Revitalization Program performance-based equity investment as well as approval to the City of Flint Brownfield Redevelopment Authority to support the alleviation of brownfield conditions at the site.
“The impressive renovation is sure to delight and wow our patrons as they experience the Hilton Garden Inn Flint Downtown with a twist, mixing modern, interior design with the building’s historic grandeur inside and out,” said Michael George, chief executive officer of Crescent Hotels & Resorts, the hotel’s management company. “Crescent has numerous historic properties in our portfolio, but this property’s transformation from a 1920s bank will definitely create a unique experience for guests.”
Flint-based firms DW Lurvey Co. and Sorenson Gross jointly managed the two-year construction project. Detroit-based Kraemer Design Group applied its expertise as the architect, interior designer and historic consultant.
** This post is a news article about Hilton Garden Inn- Downtown Flint from MLive. **
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hilton Garden Inn opens in downtown Flint
The 101-room hotel adds 60 new jobs to Flint & Genesee; invigorates Flint’s skyline
FLINT, Mich., Oct. 30, 2020 – With the marvelous architectural transformation of the historic building complete, the Hilton Garden Inn Flint Downtown will officially open to the public on Nov. 2. It is the newest addition to the Hilton Garden Inn brand that provides business and leisure guests with upscale, affordable accommodations and unexpected amenities.
Formerly known as the Genesee County Savings Bank, the century-old, 11-story structure now features 101 guestrooms, an upscale Italian restaurant, meeting rooms and banquet center, and rooftop lounge and deck that offers terrific vistas of Flint’s horizons. A $36.5-million, 148,000-square-foot rehabilitation project, the Hilton Garden Inn Flint Downtown also includes a ground-floor coffeeshop in the building’s southeast corner where Kearsley and Saginaw streets meet.
“The revitalization of downtown Flint has taken a major step forward with the opening of the Hilton Garden Inn,” said Tim Herman, president of Uptown Reinvestment Corp. (URC), the project’s developer. “Not only does the hotel bring needed accommodations to downtown, it is bringing new jobs. In fact, it’s a lightning rod for increased activity and spending in the area.”
The hotel offers convenient access to attractions such as the Capitol Theatre, Flint Farmers’ Market, University of Michigan-Flint, Durant-Dort Factory One and an array of restaurants and shops within walking distance. It is also just under a mile from the Flint Cultural Center, home of the Flint Institute of Arts.
“This new Hilton Garden Inn is a win-win for the city of Flint,” said Ridgway White, president and CEO of the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, which granted $9.45 million to the Foundation for the Uptown Reinvestment Corp. to support renovation of the building. “Not only does it bring new jobs and restore a historic building that had been vacant for decades, it also allows people to visit family and friends, conduct business and host events right in the heart of the city, where they can enjoy so many of the positive things Flint has to offer.”
Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley added the hotel will provide a significant boost for downtown businesses.
“This development restores one of Flint’s iconic historic buildings and is a cornerstone piece of our city’s ongoing economic development,” Neeley said. “The City of Flint welcomes the Hilton Garden Inn and all of its guests. We look forward to showing even more visitors all that Flint has to offer — and bringing even more tourism dollars to support our growing network of entrepreneurs.”
Project support through the Michigan Strategic Fund included a $7.95 million Michigan Community Revitalization Program performance-based equity investment as well as approval to the City of Flint Brownfield Redevelopment Authority to support the alleviation of brownfield conditions at the site.
“The impressive renovation is sure to delight and wow our patrons as they experience the Hilton Garden Inn Flint Downtown with a twist, mixing modern, interior design with the building’s historic grandeur inside and out,” said Michael George, chief executive officer of Crescent Hotels & Resorts, the hotel’s management company. “Crescent has numerous historic properties in our portfolio, but this property’s transformation from a 1920s bank will definitely create a unique experience for guests.”
The original Italian Renaissance Revival design of the banking hall and base of the tower was completed in 1920. The structure was modified in 1947 to incorporate a streamlined and elegant late-Art Deco style. At that same time, the five-story Sherman Building was connected to the tower at each floor.
Today, the structure retains much of the Art Deco detailing throughout the completely reimagined and rebuilt interior. The hotel’s entrance is off Buckham Alley, with the lobby, market and business center on the first floor of the former Sherman Building.
The adjacent grand banking hall has been converted into the home of Sauce Italian American Kitchen. The mezzanine level offers additional restaurant seating and serves as a pre-function area to the meeting rooms and banquet spaces on the second floor.
The guestrooms have bright, warm white walls, accented with pops of color through the upholstery fabric and classic wood tones featured on furniture. The nods to the Art Deco period extend to the subtle scallop pattern on the upholstered headboard. Bold geometric patterns in the rug and accent wallcoverings make an appearance throughout the space. The artwork on the walls incorporates abstract deco shapes overlaying historic images of the city of Flint. The guestrooms also reflect unique layouts and designs, a common feature of historic buildings that have been restored and preserved in a modern fashion.
In addition, the original marble wainscoting, base moldings and door casings have been restored and integrated into the hotel’s corridor design.
Valet parking is provided around the clock for $15 per day. Self-parking is also available at the nearby Rutherford Garage.
The Hilton Garden Inn Flint Downtown will staff 45 full-time and 15 part-time employees.
General Manager Jeff Stableford emphasized the importance of delivering exemplary service to guests at the area’s newest and upmarket hotel.
“I’m talking about more than just a friendly smile – as important as that is,” said Stableford. “We’re focused on delivering purposeful, sincere service to all of our guests and patrons that reflects the highest standards of the Hilton brand and the greater Flint community.”
The café – called The Federal Coffeehouse – opens for business Oct. 30. The name is a nod to the historic building’s former use as a bank. Simmer Rooftop Lounge is slated to open in the spring of 2021.
Flint-based firms DW Lurvey Co. and Sorenson Gross jointly managed the two-year construction project. Detroit-based Kraemer Design Group applied its expertise as the architect, interior designer and historic consultant.
Quotes from additional partners:
Huntington Bank
“We’re proud to continue investing in Flint and Genesee County and ultimately make our community even stronger,” said Greg Viener, president of Huntington’s Mid-Michigan Region. “We’re also proud to call this hotel our neighbor, as it’s located on the same block as our Flint campus, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome its associates and guests to our beautiful downtown.”
Community Foundation of Greater Flint
“Our leadership has been committed to the development of downtown Flint since we relocated our offices here in 2008,” said Isaiah M. Oliver, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint. “Our investment in the Hilton Garden Inn project is grounded in our mission and the impact this place-based project brings to downtown Flint.”
Local Initiative Support Corp. Flint
“The Local Initiatives Support Corporation is proud to have helped to play a role in this transformational project led by Uptown Reinvestment Corporation, exemplifying the significance of adaptive reuse of our historic Flint structures, and creating a high-end venue, which will draw out-of-town visitors and local residents alike,” said Juan Zuniga, senior program officer, LISC Flint Office. “LISC’s $4 million lending portion of the $36.5 million Hilton Garden Inn’s funding pool, helps us to highlight what great economic development ventures can happen, when multiple funding agencies work together to realize community change.”
Old National Bank
“Old National Bank and ONB Community Equity have thoroughly enjoyed working with the community leaders and visionary developers who have made the Hilton Garden Inn a catalytic project in Flint,” said Mike Harbaugh, tax credit relationship manager, Old National Bancorp. “We’re pleased that our historic tax credit equity could help preserve this iconic building in downtown. Additionally, we’re excited to see the job opportunities that this project can provide to the residents of Flint for years to come.”
The award-winning Hilton Garden Inn brand provides business and leisure guests upscale, affordable accommodations and unexpected amenities for an experience that is ‘Simply on Another Level.’ The Hilton Garden Inn Promise affirms the brand’s goal to make each guest’s stay better and brighter. Guaranteed. Team Members at more than 865 hotels in 49 countries and territories around the world ensure today’s busy travelers have a bright and satisfying experience, starting with the first hello. As a recognized F&B leader, Hilton Garden Inn serves locally sourced food and beverage at its full-service restaurants and bars, featuring cooked-to-order dishes, handcrafted cocktails, and on-trend small plates. For more information about Hilton Garden Inn, visit www.hgi.com and connect on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.
Crescent Hotels & Resorts is an award winning, nationally recognized, top-3 operator of hotels and resorts. Crescent currently operates over 100 hotels, resorts & conference centers in the US and Canada. Crescent is one of the few elite management companies approved to operate upper-upscale and luxury hotels under the brand families of Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt and IHG. Crescent also operates a collection of legendary independent lifestyle hotels and resorts under Latitudes Collection, Lifestyle by Crescent. Crescent’s clients are made up of hotel REITs, private equity firms and major developers. For more information, please visit www.crescenthotels.com or connect with Crescent on LinkedIn.
Uptown Reinvestment Corp. (URC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, works to revitalize and support downtown Flint by improving its attractiveness for entrepreneurs, employers and residents, and as an entertainment destination. Founded in 1999, URC brings together a broad-based coalition of interests, including government, education, business and philanthropic institutions, to drive business investment in the downtown district. For more information, visit www.uptownreinvestment.org.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Bob Campbell
248.895.0791
Though the Downtown Hilton Garden Inn’s grand opening date was expected for some time in August, it was ultimately pushed back in light of the Coronavirus pandemic. Even with the date changes, all are finally seeing a glimpse of hope for a grand opening date!
The anticipated date of opening is October 30th, and since the world is still in a pandemic, there will not be a public event. However, we wanted to provide a sneak peek of what you should expect once this beautifully updated, boutique hotel opens!
The gourmet restaurant and rooftop area will showcase dishes such as: pasta, salads, beautifully-crafted entrees and even desset delicacies! The restaurant will also feature a vast selection of adult beverages. This Italian American Kitchen restaurant is sure to knock your socks off, and it’s right in the heart of the city!
Photos were taken at the private food tasting that took place last week at the Hilton Garden Inn- Downtown Flint where these dishes were displayed. They were indeed a hit!
We know that these decadent dishes are making your mouth water so just remember these dates! October 30th and November 2nd!
October 30th is the prospective date for the Grand Opening, and November 2nd is the date that Hilton is allowing all of guests to begin booking their hotel rooms!
We hope to see you soon and can’t wait to share a meal with you!
Since 2018, the Hilton Garden Inn has been in active construction in the heart of Downtown Flint, Michigan, and now construction companies, histories and leaders are finally seeing the light of day.
Though the construction process was shortly halted during the global pandemic that swiftly engulfed the entire world, the Hilton Garden Inn’s grand opening date might’ve changed, but the mission for this Downtown hotel has never wavered.
This 101- roomed boutique hotel, in the heart of the city, is a testament of Flint’s revitilization. It is nothing irony to see a building built in the 1920s become a beacon of new hope in a city that has endured so much.
So far, there are very high hopes with what this boutique hotel will bring into the Flint community. It is hopefully becoming a historic symbol of revitilization. With its full-service restaurant, a meeting and banquet center, along with a rooftop lounge, the Hilton Garden Inn is sure to be a big hit in the city for tourists and residents alike.
“It’s going to provide businesses and visitors with upscale accommodations in downtown Flint, which they haven’t had in a long, long time,” said Tim Herman, president of Uptown Reinvestment Corp., the project developer, and CEO of the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce. “It will also expand the customer base for our local restaurants and arts and cultural institutions.” (Mike Turner, AND Magazine, September 16, 2020)
One awesome aspect of the Hilton Garden Inn’s planning process is the need to retain as many historic features as possible from this 100-year-old building. The once Genesee County Savings Bank building, constructed during the Italian Renaissance Revival with art deco designs, has such beautiful features that historic consultants and architectural historians alike wanted to preserve. The construction firms and all entities desired to keep the beauty manifested from the original building, while enhancing it to prepare for the hotel that the building is swiftly evolving into!
Everyone is highly anticipating this beautiful hotel’s grand opening, and we can’t wait to share it with you!
For more information, or to read extensive details from the AND Magazine article about the Flint Hilton Garden Inn, please click this link: https://and.flintandgenesee.org/an-iconic-historic-building-set-to-begin-life-anew-as-downtown-flints-hilton-garden-inn/.
(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.
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.