Thanks for the Marquette updates. Keep 'em coming!
Manistee -
A new workforce housing development - called River Water Development - is being proposed for several lots close to the downtown riverfront. It looks like this first came on the public radar in early November, 2020. The developer is
Oceana County Housing Commission (OCHC) Manistee Limited Dividend Housing Association (LDHA) LP. That's a lot of word vomit that I don't really understand the legalities of. But apparently, OCHC serves Oceana, Mason, and Lake Counties, as well as "the West Michigan region" and they have a non-profit corporation that engages in development like this. I suppose their reach extends to Manistee County as well. The developer is partnering with local architect Kendra C. Thompson, Pontiac-based West Construction Services, and Flint-based property manager Piper Realty Co.
The proposal includes 49 new housing units in total. 3 units would be located in two repurposed properties at
451 & 453 River St. (former Jones building, to be renamed "The Dairy"). The 46 remaining units would be built in a new, 4-story building at
443 Water St., just south of the two repurposed buildings (former Amor Sign Studio site, to be called "The Livery"). According to the "Executive Summary", found in the
January 05, 2021 Manistee City Council Meeting Agenda, "the design concept for this proposed multifamily development is to provide an upscale living environment at very modest rental rates." That translates into units ranging in monthly rent from $257 to $1,030. 24 of the units would be for 55+ residents. The project team will seek MSHDA Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, as well as take advantage of a recently-approved PILOT program with the city. They are banking on the fact the the city has expressed a need for more affordable housing and senior housing. The properties are "Redevelopment Ready Communities" sites.
"The Livery" - Elevation -
"The Livery" - Plans (very low-resolution in the original file) -
"The Dairy" - Elevation -
"The Dairy" - Plans (again, bad resolution in the original file) -
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Hillcrest Village Apartments broke ground in Fall of 2020. This mixed-income / workforce housing development will consist of 45 units across four buildings on the site formerly occupied by
Washington Elementary School. The development team is Portage-based Hollander Development Corp. and the more locally-based Little River Real Estate Management (Little River Holdings, LLC). It's a strategic move for the tribe, partnering with experienced developers as the begin to build their own portfolio and reputation for development projects. The project received necessary approvals in early 2019, but it's construction start was delayed due to COVID-19. It received over $1 million in MSHDA tax credits and PILOT approval (
more info).
An updated rendering from December 2019 -
Source:
Hollander Development | Hooker DeJong
Earlier Renderings -
Site Plan -
Source:
LRD, LLC
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Momentum is building for enthusiasts that want to see a disc golf course built at
Lighthouse Park. The proposed plan and 18-hole layout was presented to City Council by the Parks Commission on January 12. It seems like it was well-received, possibly because it would not cost much for the city to implement and maintain it. It will be on the agenda for formal approval at an upcoming City Council meeting -
The proposed 18-hole course layout -
Source:
Facebook | Bring Disc Golf to Manistee