LANSING, MI - On May 05, 2025, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced three redevelopment projects have received support from the bipartisan Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) program, which will see vacant and underused properties redeveloped in Grand Rapids, Holly and Utica. Together, the projects will generate a total capital investment of over $16.4 million in the state, while also creating community amenities for their downtown areas.  

“These projects in Grand Rapids, Holly, and Utica will add more commercial space in the heart of our downtowns for small businesses and make our cities and towns better places to live, work, and invest,” said Governor Whitmer. “The bipartisan RAP program helps us turn old, abandoned, or underutilized spaces into vibrant new places where people can live, shop, and play. We will continue working together to pursue a comprehensive economic development strategy that helps us create jobs, drive down the cost of housing, and improve quality of life across our state.”  

The RAP program provides access to gap financing for place-based infrastructure development and real estate rehabilitation and development.  

“On behalf of the MEDC, we are pleased to work with communities across Michigan and invest in their resilience through the RAP program as part of our ‘Make It in Michigan’ economic strategy’s placemaking efforts,” said Michele Wildman, MEDC Chief Place Officer. “We look forward to seeing how these projects bring opportunities for community gathering and small business support while enhancing the downtown areas of Grand Rapids, Holly and Utica.”   

In Downtown Grand Rapids, a former art gallery will be transformed into a modern coworking hub to support entrepreneurs and small businesses, becoming a center for innovation and providing key amenities to the community including flex office spaces, private offices, high-tech meeting rooms, a 200-person movie theater and outdoor event venue.   

Supported by $1,250,901 in RAP grant funding, the redevelopment project will bring a total anticipated capital investment of $10,179,635; upon completion, this investment is projected to serve over 500 individuals at approximately 300 companies, resulting in high-growth, high-wage jobs for the greater Grand Rapids region.  

Founded in 2015, the Bamboo team has successfully opened and operated four locations including two in Detroit, Royal Oak and Ann Arbor. The proposed redevelopment at 2 Fulton Street is within walking distance of Van Andel Arena and serves as the gateway between the financial and entertainment districts. The building has a history in serving the community, and the developers are committed to honoring that legacy through programming frequent, no-cost public events and community opportunities.   

In addition to RAP funds, the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) is also supporting the project, reflecting the MEDC’s commitment to uplifting communities and small businesses. Through SSBCI’s collateral support program, the Michigan Strategic Fund is pledging up to $2.4 million through a cash deposit at Bank Michigan; this loan to Bamboo will help fund the cost of the building’s renovation.   

“Grand Rapids is a thriving hub for entrepreneurship, opportunity, and innovation - and when we invest in our city and its economic development, the possibilities for further growth are endless,” said Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids). “This grant will bring high-paying jobs, support for our local businesses, and more community space to downtown Grand Rapids. I’m excited to see all the benefits of this redevelopment begin to take shape and the influence it’s sure to have on the prosperity of our West Michigan community.”     

“Grand Rapids continues to make strategic investments focused on revitalizing our neighborhoods and enhancing the quality of life for residents,” said State Representative Kristian Grant (D-Grand Rapids). “The new Bamboo project is an exciting addition to our city’s growth, providing valuable support for talent development and business innovation. I’m grateful to the MEDC for their partnership and the grant that is helping bring this vision to life.”   

In Downtown Holly, developers Chapin Enterprises, LLC and Victory Seven, LLC are announcing their plans to rehabilitate a two-story building to reactivate a restaurant previously damaged by a multi-building fire that destroyed the building in 2022. Originally constructed in 1866 as a bank, the building has had several uses over the years; most recently, the building served as Andy’s Place, an iconic community restaurant and bar.   

The revitalization efforts are expected to result in $1,357,770 in capital investment through the revitalization of 3,261 square feet. To support this project, the Michigan Strategic Fund has awarded the developers a RAP grant in the amount of $433,770. Once completed, this project will bring workers and patrons to downtown, increasing commercial density and reviving community identity in Holly.   

“As the owner and head of the family business, I am so excited about being able to now rebuild and restore Andy’s Place with the help of the MEDC. The revitalization of the historic building where it now stands will be a major step towards returning the business atmosphere and prosperity of the southeast downtown district,” said Andrea Chapin, developer and owner of Andy’s Place. “Thank you to the village, the other small businesses, the community and especially Main Street Oakland for encouragement and help getting to this point.  From the bottom of my heart, thank you.”   

"As Village Manager, the most frequently asked question about our downtown has been, 'When will Andy’s Place and the Holly Hotel reopen,’" said Holly Village Manager Timothy Price. "The reopening of Andy’s will serve as a key destination for both local residents and visitors, and it is essential for the revitalization of Broad Street and the economic development of our downtown."   

In addition to MSF support, local officials from the City Manager’s Office and the Downtown Development Authority worked with the Main Street Oakland County team to assist the developer with technical support and project documents necessary to finish the application process.   

“We are thrilled that Andy's Place has received this funding from the MEDC," added Linda Stouffer, DDA Board Chairperson and owner of Battle Alley Coffee. “To have this establishment back up and running will mean so much to the downtown community and to our residents.”   

In Downtown Utica, a former landfill site will be developed into a new two-story, mixed-use building that will become the new headquarters of the United Shore Professional Baseball League, an independent professional baseball league that plays its home games at nearby Jimmy John’s Field. The building, to be located at 7525 Auburn Road, will also feature non-profit office space, conference meeting space, a USPBL merchandise store and a restaurant, further drawing in ballpark visitors to the downtown core, and covered patio space for public use along the Clinton River.  

The project, which is being supported by a $951,075 RAP grant, is expected to generate a total capital investment of $4,934,516; once in full operation, the site will retain 28 jobs and bring an anticipated 30 more within walking distance to existing shops and eateries, adding further density to the downtown region.     

Owner and developer GSB Utica Property I LLC, through its principals operate an affiliated entity, General Sports and Entertainment, LLC, has a successful track record with brownfield redevelopment in the City of Utica. The team previously developed Jimmy John’s Field baseball stadium, wiffleball park and surrounding parking lots.   

"We could not be more pleased to be starting construction on this exciting mixed-use development in downtown Utica,” said General Sports CEO Andy Appleby. “This project will bring the headquarters of the USPBL, our professional baseball league that operates at Jimmy John's Field, to downtown Utica, along with a new restaurant concept, a retail store, and a new meeting and event space that will enable us to attract more businesses to do business in historic downtown Utica. We truly appreciate the support of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation in helping us to make this project a reality."   

When complete, the site will also connect to local trails and a greater regional trail system, further bolstering the recreational opportunities and connection across the Utica community.     

“Investments into these facilities help build stronger families and stronger communities across our state,” said State Senator Michael Webber (R-Rochester Hills). “I’ve been proud to work with local and state leaders to help secure funding for important projects like this in the 9th Senate District. Jimmy John’s Field is a community success story that has brought growth, pride and new life to a former brownfield site. This support will help create another vibrant space for community building and help to inspire continued economic growth and development for downtown Utica and the surrounding area.”    

Since its launch in 2022, the Revitalization and Placemaking program has supported 175 total projects in communities across the state.