A new $28 million redevelopment in downtown Muskegon is one step closer to reality.
Once seen as an eyesore in the heart of Muskegon, the redevelopment at the corner of First and Clay s part of a long-discussed plan, which will bring 57 new apartment units to the downtown corridor; an area, which has undergone a dramatic transformation itself over the past decade.
The skeletal steal structure that currently sits there has been abandoned and blighted for years, however, not for long, as the Muskegon City Commission approved over $16 million towards the mixed-use development.
Spearheading the project is Eric Helzer, Principal of Advanced Redevelopment Solutions.
“It’s a property everybody wants to see developed,” Helzer said. “It’s been attempted a couple times before, but we have really advanced this project more than anybody else. We have well over $1 million into this project.”
Helzer says, the project will create 109 new construction jobs during the build, roughly 10 new jobs for the commercial spaces, and include multi-purpose and co-working event space.
Meanwhile, rent for the apartments will range from 80% to 120% of the area median income.
Helzer says, that is the “sweet spot” for what’s considered “workforce housing,”
Construction is set to begin next Spring.