Northwest Wayne News

State leaders are touting $1.2 billion in investments that will facilitate 1,846 new jobs.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer made the announcement earlier this month, a news release from the governor's office said recently. 

A three-story building in Detroit’s North End neighborhood will be renovated by The Beauton LLC.

“This development will further enhance the North End neighborhood, providing quality housing options and economic vitality for the community,” Kenyetta Hairston-Bridges, executive vice president for Economic Development and Investment Services at the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, said in the release. “We’re excited to have played a role in the project we anticipate will bring more opportunities and foot traffic to the area.”

The scope of work for the project involves constructing office space, 29 multifamily units and public infrastructure improvements including new sidewalks along Beaubien and Horton Streets. The project will have 15 units available to residents making between 50% and 80% of area median income.

Whitmer added that the investments will help to strengthen the state’s surging economy.

“From Marquette to Monroe, we will expand leadership in future mobility, elevate our growing outdoor recreation industry, create good-paying jobs for Michiganders and invest in our communities,” she said in the release. “When we come together to focus on the issues that matter, we can support businesses of all sizes, grow our economy, spur innovation, and move Michigan forward.”

Quentin Messer Jr., MEDC CEO and Michigan Strategic Fund president and chair, also commented on the project.

“The projects approved today build on our statewide leadership in advanced and EV manufacturing, bring good jobs to Michigan residents, support vibrant communities, and help increase growth opportunities for businesses ranging from start-ups to established companies, and better prepare our state to compete for business attraction opportunities,” he said in the release. “We are grateful to Governor Whitmer, legislators, and local officials for their continued support for our programs, and we appreciate the hard work of the Michigan Strategic Fund board. Today’s MSF actions demonstrate our ongoing commitment to ensuring our work is making an impact no matter where our friends and neighbors reside across Michigan.”