- Transformational Brownfield Plan to enhance Grand Rapids riverfront with a $700 million investment to build hundreds of new housing units, greenspace, stadium, and amphitheater

- Refrigeration company Northland Corporation creating up to 200 jobs, retaining 116 with expansion in Greenville

- Brownfield site in Northville to be redeveloped into horse track and community park 

LANSING, MI - On August 27, 2024, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) approval for projects that will enhance the communities of Grand Rapids and Northville and ensure a legacy manufacturer in Greenville continues to call Michigan home. 

“Today’s approved projects will drive more than $740 million of investment, creating and protecting up to 566 jobs while making our cities better places to live, work, and invest,” said Governor Whitmer. “By supporting upgrades along the Grand Rapids riverfront including housing, greenspace, and entertainment hubs, we can help the city grow, bringing more families and businesses to the area. By retaining a longstanding manufacturer in Greenville, we can protect an economic engine of Montcalm County, supporting long-term growth. And by safely turning a contaminated site in Northville into a horse track and public park, we can improve quality of life for local residents. All of these projects are park of our comprehensive economic development strategy to help anyone ‘make it’ in Michigan.” 

“As Team Michigan continues to execute our ‘Make It in Michigan’ economic development strategy focused on People, Places and Projects, today’s approved projects support our vision of creating vibrant communities and an ever-improving environment for businesses and the residents who they employ to thrive,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., Michigan Economic Development Corporation CEO and Michigan Strategic Fund President and Chair. “I am grateful to Governor Whitmer, the Michigan Legislature, the MSF Board, and our partners on the local level for their continued work to ensure our friends and neighbors know they can ‘Make It’ in Michigan. Work remains and we are committed to getting it done.” 

Transformational Brownfield Plan to transform Grand Rapids riverfront through multiple mixed-use developments, more than $700 million in investment 

The MSF board approved support for multiple mixed-use development projects in Grand Rapids that will transform the city’s riverfront through added housing, parking, and cultural enhancements, including an amphitheater, riverwalk, apartment building, and soccer stadium. 

By the numbers: The proposed Transformational Brownfield Plan (TBP) incentive package requested by developer Grand Action 2.0 and the City of Grand Rapids Brownfield Redevelopment Authority totals about $252.3 million. The projects are expected to bring over $700 million in investment, create 735 residential units and support 250 new jobs. 

Among project highlights supported by the TBP:

- The Acrisure Amphitheater, a world-class entertainment center of approximately 296,109 square feet and 12,160 seats.

- A publicly owned riverwalk between the Acrisure Amphitheater and the Grand River, which will include a paved trail for walking, running, cycling, and public greenspace along the riverbank.

- The project will also include a 21-story mixed-use building with 475 market-rate rental apartments, 3,660 square feet of retail, and 475 parking garage spaces.

The stadium development will provide the region with a new destination venue complementing the Van Andel Arena and DeVos Place Convention Center, acting as a magnet for future visitors to the region. It includes:

- A 134,500-square-foot, 8,500-seat soccer stadium located west of downtown, hosting the only team in a major professional league in Grand Rapids and including a full-size soccer pitch to support national and international matches.

- An 18-story, mixed-use commercial building and parking garage to be constructed to the north of the stadium known as The Stadium District Tower, which will include retail or restaurant space, office space, a 350-space parking structure, and 260 residential apartment units.

- A 4,200-square-foot, 224-foot-long pedestrian skybridge, providing connectivity to visitors of the new district.

“On behalf of the Grand Action 2.0 co-chairs and our project partners, I offer sincere thanks to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the Michigan Strategic Fund and the City of Grand Rapids for their tremendous support,” said Grand Action 2.0 Executive Director Kara Wood. “This project has been a true community collaboration. Hundreds of people lent their voices, expertise, counsel, resources, support and encouragement because they understand the magnitude of the generational impact this project will have on our community. Energized by the Michigan Strategic Fund approval of our Transformational Brownfield Plan, I look forward to continuing this strong public-private partnership as, together, we get the amphitheater, stadium, mixed use redevelopment project over the finish line.” 

Refrigeration company Northland Corporation creating up to 200 new jobs, retaining 116 jobs with Greenville location expansion 

The MSF board approved support for Northland Corporation, which plans to expand its Greenville facility to continue manufacturing high-end products for the appliance market. Founded in Greenville in 1892, Northland Corporation is the longest-standing refrigeration company in North America and serves as the fifth-largest employer in the city. 

By the numbers: The project includes a total capital investment of up to $21.4 million, as well as the creation of up to 200 new jobs and protection of 116 jobs and is being supported by a $1.28 million Michigan Business Development Program grant.

For Montcalm County, the protected and created jobs will fill a vital gap in employment opportunities for area residents at early stages in their careers, with Northland Corporation employees receiving all required training in-house. 

"We’re excited about the expansion of our manufacturing facility in Michigan,” said Andy Doberstein, president of Northland Corporation. “This state is home to a remarkable workforce, and we are excited to leverage their talents to produce more cutting-edge refrigeration products. Our commitment to innovation and quality will continue to drive our growth and success in this great community." 

For career opportunities with Northland Corporation, visit HERE. 

Redevelopment of former horse racing facility and brownfield site to create community park asset in Northville 

The MSF board also approved support for the redevelopment of a former horse racing track and brownfield site across 7.85 acres to create a recreational area in Northville. The project, which includes daylighting a section of the Rouge River and developing an adjacent park, will reactivate a contaminated property, enhancing ecological and recreational benefits for the community for generations to come. 

By the numbers: The project will be supported by a Brownfield Act 381 Work Plan valued at about $2 million, with the City of Northville assisting through the local tax capture valued at about $11,996,734. The total anticipated capital investment is over $17.7 million. 

The developer, Hunter Pasteur, has grown to become one of Southeast Michigan’s largest homebuilders, with projects in thriving communities throughout Metro Detroit including the housing and small business development, The Downs. 

“Northville Downs is a model for true private public and community partnership. MEDC support was a critical component of the financial framework,” said Seth Herkowitz, partner and COO with Hunter Pasteur. “Such support, combined with the efforts of so many stakeholders have made the Rouge River Daylighting Project and the creation of the accompanying new 7.85-acre River Park a reality, with groundbreaking scheduled for next month. The transformative and very significant green infrastructure project, known as the future River Park, will create critical benefits for the City of Northville, Oakland and Wayne Counties, and the State of Michigan including storm water detention, habitat and plant life restoration, flood plain, pedestrian and bicycle connectivity, historic preservation, community gathering and recreation, amongst many others.”