A redevelopment project led by Abonmarche to transform three partially vacant buildings in downtown Benton Harbor into a mix of housing and commercial space has gotten a boost from the state.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer on Wednesday announced the project has received a $1.5 million grant through Michigan’s Revitalization and Placemaking, or RAP, program. With the grant, Abonmarche will rehabilitate the buildings at 89, 95, and 101 West Main Street to create eight new apartments on the upper floors, modern office space, and a construction lab in the basement.
Speaking last year, Abonmarche CFO John Sniadecki told Benton Harbor City Commissioners this work is at the company’s current offices, and they’ll now be using some previously unused space.
“The commercial will be downstairs, which is about 8,600 square foot,” Sniadecki said back in August. “We’ve been there for the last 46 years. We want to stay in the community and we help continue to revive the central part of Benton Harbor.”
The redevelopment represents an investment of more than $4.3 million. The city of Benton Harbor is also expected to provide another $1.1 million in savings for the developers over 25 years through a local Housing Tax Increment Financing plan. The city says the investment would likely not have occurred without the state grant.
Abonmarche CEO Daryl Knip said this week the integration of new residential units over modern office space represents another step in strengthening the Benton Harbor Main Street district.
