July 2024: On Your Radar

July 2024: On Your Radar

DIGITAL LEARNING LAB FOR A UNIVERSITY / Project Number 2021-2C74

Builders Exchange has been reporting on this $140 million lab since 2021. Bidding and construction schedules are not yet available. The lab will feature technology-rich teaching environments, flexible learning spaces, and trans-disciplinary collaboration centers. In addition, the renovation and addition will improve the facility’s roof and building envelope while improving mechanical, controls, lighting, electrical and other systems to enhance the technology-focused learning spaces.

LARGE SCALE CONSTRUCTION OF A MINE / Project Number 2024-0FE7

This $425 million project was recently approved for a $50 million grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. The mine will consist of a processing plant, stockpiling area, support facilities and tailings disposal. Production is slated to begin in 2027 pending financing.

DUAL BRANDED HOTEL / Project Number 2024-10C6

Construction is anticipated to begin in September on this $30 million project. Plans are to convert the existing hotel into a renovated, dual-branded hotel with 217 total rooms.

TELEVISION STATION HEADQUARTERS / Project ID 2024-13DE

Fundraising for this $30 million project will continue through January 2025 and completion is slated for the fall of 2026. Plans call for a 7,500 square addition which will bring the building to about 50,000 total square feet. Plans include a 300-seat theater-style studio, an indoor/outdoor performance radio studio, three different educational facilities which can be combined into one large space, and a journalism hub. Other amenities will include 7 video capture locations, various radio and television studios, and large community event spaces.

HISPANIC CENTER RENOVATIONS / Project ID 2024-14DC

An architect and general contractor have not yet been selected for this $4 to $5 million renovation. There will be a kickoff meeting during the second week of July. The building will provide space for community events, workshops, job training and essential services.

NEW FIRE STATION, POLICE STATION, AND MUNICIPAL BUILDING IMPROVEMENTS / Project ID’s 2024-1BDB and 2024-1BD8

The city will be pursuing a $43.5 million Fire, Police, and Municipal Building Improvements bond proposal on 8/6/24. These projects are in the preliminary stages and an architect has not been selected. These projects may be combined if a suitable location is found that can accommodate both the fire and police department’s operations in a single facility.

MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT AT THE SITE OF A FORMER PAPER MILL / Project ID 2024-1BD9

This approximately $50 million development calls for full demolition of the mill and warehouse. There will be upscale housing with condominiums, a riverfront restaurant, a boutique-style hotel, commercial space for retail or offices and a small special events center. The purchase agreement will be finalized soon, but the sale of the property will not be complete until more planning has been done. Groundbreaking is slated for spring 2025 with completion by 2029.

EXPANSION OF A CHURCH AND SCHOOL / Project ID 2024-1AB3

The church recently kicked off their $2.9 million fundraising campaign. Proposed is an expansion of over 5,600 square feet of classrooms, restrooms, and community space. Construction is anticipated to start during summer 2025 at the earliest.

REDEVELOPMENT OF A FORMER SCHOOL FOR A HOUSING DEVELOPMENT / Project ID 2024-157F and 2024-157F-A

Plans for this $100 million housing development include 61 affordable apartment units. This development is intended to be a community-type setting where healthcare facilities and other organizations can offer services to low-income residents. Both phases will be complete in roughly 3 years.

Can’t find a project in planning? Contact us.