Sault Ste. Marie gets funding for mixed-use brownfield building

What's happening: A large vacant building in Sault Ste. Marie will be renovated into a mixed residential and storefronts, thanks to funding from the state of Michigan. The mixed-use project will feature two retail spaces on the ground floor, along with additional commercial rental and storage space toward the back. On the second floor, there will be nine high-end residential apartments, available for rent.

The project's estimated capital investment stands at $5.7 million, with a projected creation of three full-time and 11 full-time equivalent jobs. The Michigan Community Revitalization Program performance-based grant will offer support in the form of a $1.5 million grant.

How it will be funded: The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy has granted the city of Sault Ste. Marie Brownfield Redevelopment Authority $1 million to assist with brownfield initiatives. In addition, the city has already approved a local contribution of $51,931 over a seven-year period toward the brownfield work plan. Moreover, the city of Sault Ste. Marie is actively involved in the Michigan Economic Development Corporation's Redevelopment Ready Community program. 

What they're saying: “EGLE is pleased to play a role helping put this property back into productive use in Sault Ste. Marie,” said Carrie Geyer, brownfield section manager at EGLE. “Jobs, revenue and much-needed housing will be a terrific asset to the community. More than half of EGLE’s annual budget is distributed to cities, towns and villages throughout Michigan to create opportunities like this one, a win-win for the environment and the local economy.”

What's next: McClellan Realty, LLC will spearhead the project with permitting in the next stages.