Granholm Announces Grants Supporting Downtown Building Rehab Projects in Otsego, Alcona Counties

Grants totaling $373,433 supporting downtown redevelopment

LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced three grants totaling $373,433 supporting downtown redevelopment in Gaylord (Otsego County) and Lincoln (Alcona County). The grants are made available by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) with funds provided by the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.  

“Thriving downtown areas are crucial to a strong Michigan economy,” Granholm said. “These projects will help support new business investment and job growth.”

A CDBG grant of $114,750 to Gaylord will enable acquisition of a vacant three-story building at 246 W. Main with an additional grant of $130,015 for façade improvements. Plans call for transformation of the 109-year-old structure into a mixed-used retail, residential and office LEED-Certified (environmentally friendly) building. Investment of $951,155 will cover restoration of historic masonry and installation of cedar shakes to blend with the community’s “Alpine” theme plus door and window replacement. An additional expenditure of $429,840 to reconfigure the building’s interior space will bring the total cost of the project, which is expected to create six new jobs, to $1.4 million. One office tenant and one commercial business have been secured for the project.

A $128,668 CDBG grant to the village of Lincoln will allow demolition of the long-vacant Miller Hardware and Alcona Auto Parts stores in the heart of the downtown district to eliminate blight and public safety hazards. The work will include complete removal of all building debris, footings, slabs, foundations and parking lot surface materials.   

“Although relatively small, these projects will make a huge difference in the ability of two communities to attract new business investment and job growth,” MEDC President and CEO Greg Main said. “They highlight the effectiveness of the CDBG program in helping smaller communities compete for business growth.” 

The MEDC is able to award approximately $40 million in federal CDBG funds each year. There are 1,655 local governments within the state eligible to apply for these funds. Projects are approved contingent upon compliance with state and federal requirements.

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.