California Closets expanding in Cascade Charter Twp., adding 61 jobs

Three communities also win state support for downtown improvement projects

LANSING, Mich. – A California-based storage solutions leader is expanding in Cascade Charter Township with support from the Michigan Strategic Fund, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced today.

That expansion, along with three community development projects that have also received MSF approval, will generate a total private investment of more than $6.2 million in Michigan.

“We’re working to spark business growth, revitalize communities and create more and better jobs for our residents,” MEDC Chief Executive Officer Steve Arwood said. “The decision by California Closets to expand in Michigan rather than in other states underscores West Michigan’s leadership position in furniture design and manufacturing. We applaud the company’s commitment to Michigan.”

California Closets has built a reputation as a leader in premium and luxury space management, delivering custom storage and installed furniture solutions for any area of the home. Headquartered in Berkeley, California, the company is expanding furniture manufacturing operations to the Eastern U.S. to supply its distribution locations there and plans to establish a new facility in Cascade Charter Township. The project will generate more than $5.7 million in private investment and create 61 jobs, resulting in a $335,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen over competing sites in Illinois, Georgia, North Carolina and Indiana. 

"West Michigan is attractive to us due to many factors. It offers proximity to our customers and supply base but more importantly a strong talent base in manufacturing and design,” said California Closets Retail Division President Eric Wolff. “The West Michigan area has been a leader in forward thinking and furniture-related industries which fits our direction and future.”

The Right Place has offered support to the project in the form of staff time and resources. Individuals interested in careers with California Closets should visit https://www.californiaclosets.com/careers/.

MSF also approved the following community development projects:

The city of Hart was awarded $212,750 in Community Development Block Grant funds for façade improvements needed in downtown Hart. The project will involve the historic renovation of two building façades, making the buildings more attractive and serving to draw new customers to the downtown area. The project is expected to generate $80,150 in private investment.

The village of Elk Rapids was awarded $213,340 in CDBG funds for blight elimination needed for the historic renovation of four structures in downtown Elk Rapids. Each of the buildings had been physically altered, which ultimately deteriorated the appearance as well as the structural integrity of the buildings. The MSF assistance will allow the historic elements to be returned to the downtown, improving the buildings’ curb appeal and attracting more visitors to the area. The Village of Elk Rapids is contributing $3,042 toward the project, and the business owners are expected to contribute a total of $213,340 in private investment.

The city of Howell was awarded $275,703 in CDBG funds for façade improvements to three buildings in downtown Howell. The project will make historic renovations to the buildings that will further stabilize the city’s downtown and bring additional investment and economic activity to the area. The Howell Downtown Development Authority is contributing $22,000 toward the project, and the building owners are expected to contribute a total of $204,750 in private investment. 

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.