On Tuesday, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) Board support for placemaking projects that will add housing, commercial space and vibrancy to Ferndale, Southfield, and Muskegon. The projects build on the state’s ‘Make It in Michigan’ economic development strategy through developing attractive, thriving communities where people want to live and businesses want to grow.
“Today’s projects will build 1,220 homes across Muskegon, Southfield, and Ferndale and make these cities even better places to live, work, invest, or visit,” said Whitmer. “With support from the MSF Board, we’re turning empty spaces into vibrant places, adding new housing, commercial space, and parks. These projects will help us continue our mission to help anyone ‘make it’ in Michigan. Let’s keep working together to make cities and towns across Michigan great places to live.”
—Transformational Brownfield Plan to add 577 housing units, commercial space, community amenities to City of Southfield
The MSF Board approved a Transformational Brownfield Plan (TBP) incentive package to support a multi-building redevelopment project that will reinvigorate blighted, vacant land in the center core of the City of Southfield through added housing, commercial space and community amenities.
The $131,822,436 TBP package requested by the City of Southfield Brownfield Redevelopment Authority and developer Middlepointe Investment Group LLC includes construction of a walkable, high-density mixed-use development including three multi-story, mixed-use buildings, a single-story retail structure and one multi-story parking deck with ground-floor retail.
In total, the project is planned to include 577 residential units, surface and structured parking spaces and 42,665 square feet of retail and commercial space. The project also includes two pocket parks and a pedestrian greenway connecting Southfield’s central park with development to the west. It is anticipated the overall project will create 100 full-time jobs and bring a total capital investment of $209,552,970.
The development team is led by Hassan Jawad, a seasoned real estate investor and developer with a longstanding track record of delivering transformative projects across Michigan. Under his leadership, the Middlepointe Development Team brings deep collective expertise across real estate acquisition, finance, construction, and asset management.
The team has successfully developed and managed hundreds of residential units and significant commercial square footage, including office, retail, and mixed-use developments throughout Southeast Michigan.
This transformational project will usher in a new era for the City of Southfield by attracting talent and businesses to the region, while linking existing assets and employment centers to help them grow through place-based investment. When complete, the project will provide housing, commercial spaces, community green space and other amenities that will help to catalyze additional development and investment in the city while creating a transformational impact on local economic development and community revitalization.
The Middlepointe development builds on placemaking efforts for the City of Southfield, which became a Certified Redevelopment Ready Community in 2016.
“This is more than a redevelopment—it’s a rebirth,” said Southfield Mayor Dr. Ken Siver. “The Middlepointe project will bring much-needed residential density, economic activity, and walkability to our City Centre. It’s a transformative investment in our future and a shining example of how public-private partnerships can reshape communities in profound and productive ways.”
“Revitalizing this long-vacant property in the heart of Southfield will contribute to a vibrant, thriving city center,” said state Senator Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield). “I’ve supported this project for years, and I’m excited to see it make real progress, with the promising potential to bring jobs, housing, public parks, and walking paths — everything a community needs to be welcoming. Thank you to the MSF Board, the City of Southfield, and the developers for helping move our city forward.”
“I’ve supported this project since my time on Southfield City Council in 2019, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see it moving forward,” said State Representative Jason Hoskins (D-Southfield). “This transformational redevelopment will breathe new life into the heart of Southfield -- turning long-vacant land into a vibrant, walkable community hub. With new housing, commercial spaces, green amenities, and jobs, this project represents more than bricks and mortar -- it’s an investment in Southfield’s future and a catalyst for inclusive growth, talent attraction, and long-term revitalization.”
—Redevelopment to convert blighted parking lot into mixed-use project, adding critical housing to City of Ferndale
A blighted surface parking lot in the City of Ferndale will be converted into a multi-family, four-story, mixed-use property with 72 residential units and commercial space, adding housing and residential density to the community.
The residential component of the Vester Flats project, located at 141 Vester Street, will be comprised of a mix of 45 studio units, 21 one-bedroom units, and six two-bedroom units. In addition, the first floor includes approximately 1,585 square feet of commercial space. A total of 54 parking spaces are provided, integrated under and located behind the building.
The MSF board approved a Michigan Community Revitalization Program direct loan of $3,950,000 to support the project, which will have a total anticipated capital investment of $22,252,990. The City of Ferndale has also supported the project with a Workforce PILOT valued at approximately $4.4 million over 15 years.
In addition to creating mixed-income housing for the City of Ferndale, the redevelopment project will include public improvements for a more pedestrian-oriented streetscape along Vester Street and the adjacent alleyway. The project will also add public art and upgrades to the water and sewer service, providing cultural interest and infrastructure improvements to the area.
Led by Matthew Walters, the development team is comprised of a group of developers who have worked in both the public and private sectors, with over $1 billion worth of mixed-use development, historic renovations and ground-up development in Detroit, Metro Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Grand Rapids.
The project builds on placemaking prioritization in the City of Ferndale, which became a Certified Redevelopment Ready Community in 2017.
“The City of Ferndale is excited to support this mixed-use, transit oriented, workforce housing project within our downtown corridor,” said City of Ferndale Community and Economic Development Director Roger Caruso. “This will make a real impact on people who want to live, work, and play in our city. It can’t go unmentioned that this project would not have come to fruition if it weren’t for the financial participation from Oakland County and the State of Michigan, particularly the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.”
—Transformational Brownfield Plan to convert vacant industrial space into lively mixed-use district in City of Muskegon, adding 571 residential units
The MSF Board approved a Transformational Brownfield Plan (TBP) incentive package to support a redevelopment project at a former furniture manufacturing site in the City of Muskegon, adding critical housing, commercial space and a parking garage to the area while serving as a catalyst for future investment.
The $159,598,389 TBP package requested by the City of Muskegon Brownfield Redevelopment Authority and developer Parkland Properties of Michigan will support redevelopment across seven buildings, creating an estimated 571 residential units and 74,549 square feet of commercial space, including the parking garage. When complete, the project is anticipated to create 200 full-time jobs and bring an estimated total capital investment of $221,335,800.
Jon Rooks, president and founder of Parkland Properties of Michigan, founded the Parkland family of companies in 1988; today, the company is one of the largest real estate development firms in West Michigan with over two million square feet of building space currently developed or under development.
The project site is prominently located on the south side of the city and is the main redevelopment priority for Muskegon. The project will result in a lively mixed-use development and will include much-needed housing units. When completed, the project will have a transformational impact on local economic development and community revitalization. As development continues to occur, it is anticipated that the city and region will experience both population growth and long-term prosperity. It is anticipated that the successful construction of the project will have a transformational impact on the area, creating broader residential, business, entrepreneurial and retail uses in the area surrounding the project. As the city actively works to become a vibrant lakeshore community, this project plays a key role in realizing that vision, building on the City of Muskegon’s certification as a Redevelopment Ready Community in 2016.
“The City of Muskegon is grateful to the Michigan Strategic Fund Board for their consideration and approval of the Shaw Walker Project Transformational Brownfield,” said Jake Eckholm, director of Development Services with the City of Muskegon. “This facility has long been our community’s largest and most visible eyesore, and Parkland has stepped up to turn it into a once-in-a-generation asset. Given our severe housing shortage, the strong residential demand in our traditional downtown, and the desire our residents have to beautify their neighborhoods, it would be hard to imagine a more beneficial project. The work done by Parkland, City staff and the team at MEDC on this endeavor truly exemplifies a mutually beneficial public private partnership that will deliver great outcomes for the residents we serve.”
“Today’s projects will build 1,220 homes across Muskegon, Southfield, and Ferndale and make these cities even better places to live, work, invest, or visit,” said Whitmer. “With support from the MSF Board, we’re turning empty spaces into vibrant places, adding new housing, commercial space, and parks. These projects will help us continue our mission to help anyone ‘make it’ in Michigan. Let’s keep working together to make cities and towns across Michigan great places to live.”
—Transformational Brownfield Plan to add 577 housing units, commercial space, community amenities to City of Southfield
The MSF Board approved a Transformational Brownfield Plan (TBP) incentive package to support a multi-building redevelopment project that will reinvigorate blighted, vacant land in the center core of the City of Southfield through added housing, commercial space and community amenities.
The $131,822,436 TBP package requested by the City of Southfield Brownfield Redevelopment Authority and developer Middlepointe Investment Group LLC includes construction of a walkable, high-density mixed-use development including three multi-story, mixed-use buildings, a single-story retail structure and one multi-story parking deck with ground-floor retail.
In total, the project is planned to include 577 residential units, surface and structured parking spaces and 42,665 square feet of retail and commercial space. The project also includes two pocket parks and a pedestrian greenway connecting Southfield’s central park with development to the west. It is anticipated the overall project will create 100 full-time jobs and bring a total capital investment of $209,552,970.
The development team is led by Hassan Jawad, a seasoned real estate investor and developer with a longstanding track record of delivering transformative projects across Michigan. Under his leadership, the Middlepointe Development Team brings deep collective expertise across real estate acquisition, finance, construction, and asset management.
The team has successfully developed and managed hundreds of residential units and significant commercial square footage, including office, retail, and mixed-use developments throughout Southeast Michigan.
This transformational project will usher in a new era for the City of Southfield by attracting talent and businesses to the region, while linking existing assets and employment centers to help them grow through place-based investment. When complete, the project will provide housing, commercial spaces, community green space and other amenities that will help to catalyze additional development and investment in the city while creating a transformational impact on local economic development and community revitalization.
The Middlepointe development builds on placemaking efforts for the City of Southfield, which became a Certified Redevelopment Ready Community in 2016.
“This is more than a redevelopment—it’s a rebirth,” said Southfield Mayor Dr. Ken Siver. “The Middlepointe project will bring much-needed residential density, economic activity, and walkability to our City Centre. It’s a transformative investment in our future and a shining example of how public-private partnerships can reshape communities in profound and productive ways.”
“Revitalizing this long-vacant property in the heart of Southfield will contribute to a vibrant, thriving city center,” said state Senator Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield). “I’ve supported this project for years, and I’m excited to see it make real progress, with the promising potential to bring jobs, housing, public parks, and walking paths — everything a community needs to be welcoming. Thank you to the MSF Board, the City of Southfield, and the developers for helping move our city forward.”
“I’ve supported this project since my time on Southfield City Council in 2019, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see it moving forward,” said State Representative Jason Hoskins (D-Southfield). “This transformational redevelopment will breathe new life into the heart of Southfield -- turning long-vacant land into a vibrant, walkable community hub. With new housing, commercial spaces, green amenities, and jobs, this project represents more than bricks and mortar -- it’s an investment in Southfield’s future and a catalyst for inclusive growth, talent attraction, and long-term revitalization.”
—Redevelopment to convert blighted parking lot into mixed-use project, adding critical housing to City of Ferndale
A blighted surface parking lot in the City of Ferndale will be converted into a multi-family, four-story, mixed-use property with 72 residential units and commercial space, adding housing and residential density to the community.
The residential component of the Vester Flats project, located at 141 Vester Street, will be comprised of a mix of 45 studio units, 21 one-bedroom units, and six two-bedroom units. In addition, the first floor includes approximately 1,585 square feet of commercial space. A total of 54 parking spaces are provided, integrated under and located behind the building.
The MSF board approved a Michigan Community Revitalization Program direct loan of $3,950,000 to support the project, which will have a total anticipated capital investment of $22,252,990. The City of Ferndale has also supported the project with a Workforce PILOT valued at approximately $4.4 million over 15 years.
In addition to creating mixed-income housing for the City of Ferndale, the redevelopment project will include public improvements for a more pedestrian-oriented streetscape along Vester Street and the adjacent alleyway. The project will also add public art and upgrades to the water and sewer service, providing cultural interest and infrastructure improvements to the area.
Led by Matthew Walters, the development team is comprised of a group of developers who have worked in both the public and private sectors, with over $1 billion worth of mixed-use development, historic renovations and ground-up development in Detroit, Metro Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Grand Rapids.
The project builds on placemaking prioritization in the City of Ferndale, which became a Certified Redevelopment Ready Community in 2017.
“The City of Ferndale is excited to support this mixed-use, transit oriented, workforce housing project within our downtown corridor,” said City of Ferndale Community and Economic Development Director Roger Caruso. “This will make a real impact on people who want to live, work, and play in our city. It can’t go unmentioned that this project would not have come to fruition if it weren’t for the financial participation from Oakland County and the State of Michigan, particularly the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.”
—Transformational Brownfield Plan to convert vacant industrial space into lively mixed-use district in City of Muskegon, adding 571 residential units
The MSF Board approved a Transformational Brownfield Plan (TBP) incentive package to support a redevelopment project at a former furniture manufacturing site in the City of Muskegon, adding critical housing, commercial space and a parking garage to the area while serving as a catalyst for future investment.
The $159,598,389 TBP package requested by the City of Muskegon Brownfield Redevelopment Authority and developer Parkland Properties of Michigan will support redevelopment across seven buildings, creating an estimated 571 residential units and 74,549 square feet of commercial space, including the parking garage. When complete, the project is anticipated to create 200 full-time jobs and bring an estimated total capital investment of $221,335,800.
Jon Rooks, president and founder of Parkland Properties of Michigan, founded the Parkland family of companies in 1988; today, the company is one of the largest real estate development firms in West Michigan with over two million square feet of building space currently developed or under development.
The project site is prominently located on the south side of the city and is the main redevelopment priority for Muskegon. The project will result in a lively mixed-use development and will include much-needed housing units. When completed, the project will have a transformational impact on local economic development and community revitalization. As development continues to occur, it is anticipated that the city and region will experience both population growth and long-term prosperity. It is anticipated that the successful construction of the project will have a transformational impact on the area, creating broader residential, business, entrepreneurial and retail uses in the area surrounding the project. As the city actively works to become a vibrant lakeshore community, this project plays a key role in realizing that vision, building on the City of Muskegon’s certification as a Redevelopment Ready Community in 2016.
“The City of Muskegon is grateful to the Michigan Strategic Fund Board for their consideration and approval of the Shaw Walker Project Transformational Brownfield,” said Jake Eckholm, director of Development Services with the City of Muskegon. “This facility has long been our community’s largest and most visible eyesore, and Parkland has stepped up to turn it into a once-in-a-generation asset. Given our severe housing shortage, the strong residential demand in our traditional downtown, and the desire our residents have to beautify their neighborhoods, it would be hard to imagine a more beneficial project. The work done by Parkland, City staff and the team at MEDC on this endeavor truly exemplifies a mutually beneficial public private partnership that will deliver great outcomes for the residents we serve.”
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