More Than 30 New Homes and Commercial Spaces Planned Through MEDC Placemaking Programs
LANSING, Mich. (June 3, 2026) — Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced three redevelopment projects that will bring new housing, commercial space and community investment to Albion, North Branch and Monroe. The projects are receiving support from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s placemaking programs, including the Revitalization and Placemaking program, the Michigan Community Revitalization Program and the Build MI Community Grant initiative.
Together, the mixed-use redevelopment projects are expected to generate more than $14.2 million in total capital investment while activating vacant and underused properties, increasing housing options and strengthening downtown vibrancy in communities across Michigan.
“Our population is growing, and we’ve been ranked a top state for opportunity and doing business,” said Governor Whitmer. “These three new projects will turn vacant properties into thriving homes and commercial space. I’m proud of our work to build or renovate 90,000 homes in communities across Michigan, more than any other administration in history. 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.”
Michigan Redevelopment Projects to Add Housing and Commercial Space
The three projects will support downtown revitalization, increase residential density and create new opportunities for small businesses. The developments are located in:
- Albion in Calhoun County
- North Branch in Lapeer County
- Monroe in Monroe County
Project impacts include:
- More than 30 new residential units
- New and renovated commercial spaces
- More than $14.2 million in total capital investment
- Reuse of vacant, obsolete or blighted properties
- Expanded attainable housing options
- Increased downtown foot traffic and community activity
- Support for small business growth and local economic development
“The MEDC is proud to support the growth and vibrancy of communities across Michigan as part of the state’s ‘Make It in Michigan’ economic development strategy,” said Michele Wildman, Senior Vice President of Community Planning and Development Readiness at MEDC. “These projects in Albion, North Branch, and Monroe will add housing, commercial space, and residential amenities, helping to strengthen local economies, attract investment, and enhance quality of life for residents.”
Downtown Albion Project to Transform Vacant Properties into Mixed-Use Space
In downtown Albion, nine functionally obsolete properties on South Superior Street will be redeveloped into 21 residential units and six new commercial spaces. The project will transform nearly an entire block of downtown Albion into a more active mixed-use district for residents, entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Residential units will be offered at a range of rates, roughly 70% to 100% of Area Median Income, supporting ongoing efforts to expand attainable housing in the city.
The Albion project includes:
- 21 new residential units
- Six new commercial spaces
- Redevelopment of nine functionally obsolete properties
- Nearly one full downtown block revitalized
- Housing rates targeted at approximately 70% to 100% of AMI
- $11.3 million in anticipated total capital investment
The project is being supported by a $5 million Revitalization and Placemaking grant to assist with historic redevelopment. MEDC is also supporting the project through an approved Act 381 Work Plan, with Brownfield Tax Increment Financing valued at $575,481.
Local support from the City of Albion includes a 12-year Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act tax abatement with an estimated value of $874,180 and the local portion of the Brownfield plan valued at approximately $282,756. Additional local support includes a $300,000 grant from the Albion Community Foundation.
“This $5 million commitment to the Big Albion Plan represents a transformational investment in the future of our community,” said Albion Mayor Victoria Garcia Snyder. “It is a testament to the power of collaboration, vision, and the unwavering belief that Albion’s best days are ahead. These funds will play a critical role in revitalizing downtown Albion by supporting new business development, expanding housing opportunities, and creating vibrant spaces where residents and visitors can live, work, and gather. This investment will strengthen our local economy while helping us build a thriving community for future generations.”
Albion Partners Advance Downtown Revitalization
The Albion redevelopment is being led by Albion Reinvestment Corporation, a nonprofit organization created to receive and administer funds and property to combat community deterioration in downtown Albion and surrounding areas.
OZB Phase I, LLC is also part of the development structure. Members include Albion Reinvestment Corporation and Albion College.
Albion Reinvestment Corporation is led by Dr. Samuel Shaheen, CEO and President of Shaheen Development, a family-owned, community-based real estate development company that owns and manages more than two million square feet of residential, mixed-use and commercial real estate in the Great Lakes Bay Region.
“The approval of this RAP grant is a major win for downtown Albion and a strong signal that investment is happening here,” said Debbie Kelly, President and CEO of the Albion Economic Development Corporation and the City of Albion’s Brownfield Redevelopment Authority. “This project will help revitalize downtown brownfield properties, drive economic activity, and support the long-term growth of our downtown. We appreciate the MEDC’s partnership and commitment to communities like Albion.”
“This support for the Big Albion Plan marks a truly meaningful moment in Albion’s continued revitalization,” said Dr. Sheryl L. Theriot, City Manager of Albion. “The MEDC’s partnership and Dr. Sam Shaheen’s investment through ARC reflects a shared and genuine belief in our city’s promise. This project will breathe new life into long-underused properties, strengthen our downtown, and create new opportunities for residents and businesses alike.”
The City of Albion became a certified Redevelopment Ready Community through MEDC in 2020, reflecting its efforts to establish a strong foundation for private investment and community development.
North Branch Redevelopment to Create Apartments and Commercial Space
In the Village of North Branch, a vacant former hardware store at 4003 Huron Street will be rehabilitated to create eight new apartments and two commercial spaces. The redevelopment is expected to add new residents and 14 anticipated new jobs to the downtown area.
All apartment units will be priced at or below 120% of Area Median Income.
The North Branch project includes:
- Eight new apartments
- Two new commercial spaces
- 14 anticipated new jobs
- Rehabilitation of a vacant former hardware store
- Units priced at or below 120% of AMI
- $2.39 million in anticipated total capital investment
The property was designated blighted by the Village in August 2025 due to significant water intrusion, mold growth and asbestos. Redevelopment of the property aligns with the Village’s Master Plan to create new housing and encourage investment from regional builders and local investors.
The project is being supported by a $992,000 performance-based Michigan Community Revitalization Program grant to address significant redevelopment costs. The Village of North Branch Downtown Development Authority is also supporting the project with a $10,000 façade grant.
“The Village of North Branch is truly excited with the renovation and redevelopment of The Orr Block Building at the main intersection of our Central Business District,” said Village President M. Kelly Martin. “This historic structure has been a dominant part of our history for the last 100+ years, as the home of Daniel Orr Sons Hardware. When complete, this project will provide much-needed apartment housing, 1,200 square feet of fresh commercial space on the first floor, and additional parking.”
Monroe Project to Reactivate Vacant Downtown Building
In downtown Monroe, a vacant building at 111 E. Front Street will be redeveloped into a mixed-use property featuring first-floor commercial space and two residential units on the second floor.
The project includes restoration of the building’s interior flooring, windows and utilities, along with exterior improvements and a new mural on the side of the building facing Altrusa Park. The redevelopment will increase foot traffic, support downtown density and return a long-blighted property to productive use.
The Monroe project includes:
- Two new residential units
- First-floor commercial space
- Restoration of interior flooring, windows and utilities
- Exterior building improvements
- A new mural facing Altrusa Park
- $558,110 in anticipated total capital investment
The project is supported by a $250,000 Build MI Community Grant to assist with the substantial cost of redeveloping the vacant property into modern residential and commercial space. The Build MI Community Grant program is designed to promote private investment in Michigan communities by supporting emerging developers.
The development entity, ST Project Management Agency LLC, is led by Shasta Panza and Tony Panza, who bring 27 years of skilled trade experience in commercial and residential construction.
“This grant is a huge step forward for ST Project Management Agency and will allow us to immediately begin revitalization efforts that will positively impact the community by bringing a beautiful building back to life,” said developer Shasta Panza.
“On behalf of the City of Monroe, we are truly thrilled to see this investment from the State of Michigan in our Downtown,” said Monroe Mayor Robert Clark. “111 E. Front Street has been a long-blighted property, and we are excited to see this investment in alignment with the City’s Downtown Master Plan to bring a reputable new business and additional residential units to the area.”
MEDC Placemaking Programs Support Michigan Communities
The Albion, North Branch and Monroe projects reflect Michigan’s continued focus on placemaking, housing creation, downtown redevelopment and community revitalization. Through programs such as RAP, MCRP and Build MI Community Grants, MEDC is helping communities activate underused properties, create new housing options and support local economic growth.
These investments also align with Michigan’s broader Make It in Michigan strategy, which focuses on winning projects, investing in people and revitalizing places across the state.
Project Investment Highlights
- Total Capital Investment: More than $14.2 million
- Communities Supported: Albion, North Branch and Monroe
- New Housing Units: More than 30
- Albion Investment: $11.3 million
- North Branch Investment: $2.39 million
- Monroe Investment: $558,110
- Key Programs: RAP, MCRP and Build MI Community Grant
- Focus Areas: Housing, downtown revitalization, commercial space and placemaking
