LANSING – Twenty projects in 17 cities will participate in the pilot phase of Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s “Cool Cities” grant program, eligible for up to $100,000 in grants aimed at making inner cities more attractive to young workers and the companies that would employ them.

The grants not only allow the target communities to complete an infrastructure project designed to enhance a downtown business district, but also make the communities eligible for a “tool box” of up to $100 million in other grants and loans to expand on the project.

Among the projects awarded grants was creation of Waterfall Park in Bay City, redevelopment of three buildings to attract entertainment and technology companies by the Jefferson East Business Association in Detroit, two historic renovation projects in Grand Rapids, and renovation of the Soo Theater Complex in Sault Ste. Marie.

“Building vibrant, energetic cities is essential to attracting jobs, people, and opportunity to our state,” Granholm said. “If Michigan is to be competitive in the 21st century economy, we have to attract new businesses and retain the highly-educated, talented young people who are crucial to building and sustaining businesses in today’s global marketplace. I’m thrilled about the potential of these projects and the positive impact they will have on their communities and the economic vitality of our state.”

Notably missing from the list of recipients was Lansing, where the city’s Old Town district had served as the backdrop for the kick-off announcement for the grant program.

Those communities not selected to participate in the pilots have been invited to training sessions in August on improving their submissions for the next round of grants.

The complete list is below:

Alpena The grant will be used to develop a pedestrian-orientated walkway through downtown on both sides of the river, providing non-motorized linkage between the downtown and public and private development projects occurring along the river.

Bay City The project is Waterfall Park, to be located at the end of Third Street and extending to the first bridge to cross the Saginaw River. The project is innovative, educational, and incorporates the natural beauty of the river community.

Detroit The Greater Downtown Partnership proposes to renovate Shed #2 which will allow an additional 50 vendors to conduct business. In addition, the project establishes the Eastern Market neighborhood as a link to the riverfront and downtown.

Detroit The Jefferson East Business Association proposes to redevelop three dilapidated buildings into Entertainment and Technology Incubators. They will contain 28 residential loft apartments, a TV production studio, and a number of retail and food service establishments.

Detroit The Southwest Detroit Business Association proposes the renovation of the Odd Fellows Hall located in the heart of the Springwells neighborhood. It will become a key anchor in this multicultural area.

Ferndale The Ferndale Downtown Development Authority would use the catalyst grant to expand the BUILD Program, which offers a 20 percent reimbursement for exterior building improvements to properties within the downtown area. Additional Cool City funding would enable up to five properties to be added to the program.

Flint The grant will be used to restore the exterior of the Republic Bank Building which will become First Street Lofts, a 16-unit loft development in downtown Flint.

Grand Rapids The Avenue for the Arts Project includes the historic renovation of seven buildings, streetscape improvements along with the creation of public art, murals, and the development of 35 loft apartments.

Grand Rapids The Uptown Revitalization Project contains a new retail development utilizing green technology that is compatible with historic district standards; a faade improvement program for historic commercial structures; and a wayfinding design program to increase the walkability of the Uptown area.

Jackson The Jackson Armory Arts Project will include the redevelopment of an abandoned industrial site into a center for the arts and culture, including 39 affordable loft apartments.

Kalamazoo The City of Kalamazoo will use the grant monies to move Smartshop, a unique metalworking school, gallery, and sculpture garden to a new location on the citys north side.

Marquette The Marquette Commons Project will consist of a groomed, refrigerated ice plaza with a skating rink, warming house, a non-motorized trail and a fountain located near the heart of the city on the site of an old parking lot and elevated railroad trestle.

Port Huron The catalyst project is conversion of the Relic Building into an Art Incubator for artists. The neighborhood is a vibrant, traditional downtown neighborhood offering diverse arts and culture in the heart of this historic city.

Portland The catalyst project is a boardwalk that will connect the pedestrian bridge over the confluence of the Grand and Looking Glass Rivers. The boardwalk will run along the back of the commercial buildings on the 100 block of Kent Street. The grant will leverage additional funding for the development of lofts in the buildings.

Saginaw The catalyst grant will be used to redevelop two currently vacant buildings into first-floor commercial and second-floor residential uses. The two buildings are the former Aubry Cleaners building and the Federal Avenue Building.

Saugatuck The project involves the renovation of the old Pie Factory into the Saugatuck Center for the Arts and the enhancement of the adjacent city parking area, including streetscape improvements on Mason Street and Culver Street.

Sault Ste. Marie The project proposes to restore and renovate the classic and historic Soo Theatre Complex to its original grandeur of the 1930s. This project is part of the downtown revitalization and will provide economic development and other economic benefits.

Traverse City The project will establish an Entrepreneurial Institute to help instill an independent entrepreneurial culture into the Grand Traverse community.

Warren The City Square Project is a two-acre urban park that will contain a multipurpose improvement that is a fountain in the warmer months and an ice rink in the winter. The City Square will be bounded by the new City Hall/Library, high-density residential and commercial retail, and a childcare center.

Ypsilanti Downtown Ypsilanti plans facility improvements to the Riverside Arts Center and to partner with DTE to expand the project. The project will involve the reutilization of a vacant office structure for retail gallery, studio, office and theater set construction and other Arts Center uses in Ypsilantis downtown historic neighborhood.

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