New Housing and Commercial Space Coming to Genesee County

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced two redevelopment projects receiving support from the bipartisan Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) program and Build MI Community (BMC) Grant initiative, creating new opportunities for housing and commercial space in Genesee County. A vacant historic building in Flint will become a restaurant, while a vacant building in Montrose will become five new apartments and over 2,500 square feet of commercial space. Together, the projects will generate a total capital investment of over $2.9 million in the state while activating vacant properties and increasing community vibrancy in Flint and Montrose. 

The RAP program provides access to gap financing for place-based infrastructure development and real estate rehabilitation and development, while BMC was created to activate underutilized or vacant space into vibrant areas by promoting capital investment into redevelopment projects being taken on by developers and property owners with limited real estate development experience. 

“Support for these projects in Genesee County underscores our ‘Make it in Michigan’ strategy that invests in people, revitalizes places, and wins projects to grow Michigan’s economy,” said Governor Whitmer. “Programs like RAP and BMC help us attract and retain talented workers, lower costs, build housing, enrich our communities, and make Michigan the best place to live, work, and play. Let’s keep working together to get things done for our state.” 

“By investing in Michigan’s communities, the MEDC is supporting their growth and resilience as part of the state’s ‘Make It in Michigan’ economic development strategy,” said the MEDC’s SVP of Community Planning and Development Readiness Michele Wildman. “We look forward to seeing how these projects uplift the downtowns for Flint and Montrose by generating economic activity and adding residential density.” 

In the City of Flint, a vacant historic property located at 703 S. Grand Traverse Street most recently used as a law office will be redeveloped to create the Sit Down Taproom & Purveyor, an American public house-style restaurant and bar themed for the 1936-37 Flint Sit Down Strike.  

The project will be supported by a $250,000 BMC grant to assist with redevelopment costs and bring a total anticipated capital investment of $834,500. The City of Flint has approved local support for the project in the form of a tax abatement through an Obsolete Property Rehabilitation District. The estimated value of the abatement is $100,000. 

This will be the first development project for developer Feuersteyn Enterprises, LLC, comprised of Emily Feuerherm and Theodore Van Steyn, who are working with contractor Gilmour Construction and architect Sedgewick and Ferweda on the project.  

“We are so grateful for the support of the MEDC who is investing in and celebrating Flint's storied history through the development of this property,” said developer Emily Feuerherm. “The 100+ year-old house will be renovated into a restaurant themed on Flint's historic 1936 Sit Down Strike, called Sit Down Taproom and Purveyor. It will be a unique gathering place in Flint, where Flint's union history and the strength and bravery of its workers will be celebrated – and patrons can eat, drink, socialize, and learn all in one place!” 

“It is inspiring to see a project that will both support the placemaking efforts in downtown Flint while honoring our city’s great history, and we are thankful to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation for supporting these efforts,” said Tyler Rossmaessler, executive director of the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance. “The redevelopment of this 112-year-old vacant house will bring a new space for locals and visitors to gather and enjoy food, drinks, and community.” 

In the City of Montrose, a vacant building will be converted into a mixed-use development featuring five new apartments and approximately 2,560 square feet of commercial space, increasing residential density and foot traffic downtown. 

The project is being supported by a $944,000 RAP grant and an approved Act 381 Work Plan, with Brownfield Tax Increment Financing of $76,333, and is expected to generate a total capital investment of $2,080,916. 

Developer Dean Yeotis, owner of Ramby LLC, has experience in real estate development in the region; this will be his first redevelopment. Yeotis is working with Revitalize, LLC and Triterra Environmental Consultants on the project, who have experience in redevelopment projects and received funding from the MEDC. 

“Ramby, LLC will offer high-quality, affordable housing along with two good-sized commercial spaces in a prime downtown Montrose location,” said developer Dean Yeotis. “We believe this project will serve as a very special place for the community while building momentum in downtown Montrose. With the help of an MEDC grant, the State of Michigan is assisting us in preserving an important piece of Montrose history while helping us chart a path to a brighter future. We are also very thankful for the help of Revitalize, LLC, and the leadership of various Montrose officials.” 

“We are tremendously grateful and thrilled to have such investment in the city of Montrose. This project will help to create jobs, address and improve housing affordability, and improve the quality of life for our citizens,” said City Manager Joe Karlichek. “We want to thank Dean Yeotis, owner of Ramby LLC, Revitalize, LLC, Triterra Environmental Consultants, the Genesee County Board of Commissioners, State of Michigan MEDC, our city Mayor and council for their contribution, support and dedication. Our city is open for business, and we look forward to welcoming positive development in our community.” 

"This project is a great example of state and local partnership being put to use in impactful ways. The project will not only be a point of pride for our community, but also add to our local housing stock," said Rossmaessler. "We are grateful to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation for supporting initiatives like these in Genesee County and can't wait to see this project come to life." 

 

 

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.