This work was done, in response to The Neighborhood Challenge and a need for a Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy recommended by the Housing Analysis for Midland County, Michigan 2018 by czbLLC.  An analysis was completed for a specific neighborhood section, asking the question, “ Why is there private investment not occurring in the neighborhood to sustain it, and are there ways to create investment momentum to restore struggling neighborhoods to their former glory?”   It is our view that we should get started, target a neighborhood to improve and pilot concepts, then scale to other parts of the city, we are now seeking input on the intention, recommendations and concepts. 

Principles of Intervention | The Neighborhood Challenge 

1.    Keep good owners in their homes or create new good owners where possible

2.    Undertake programming to increase home ownership where it makes sense

3.    Regulate and support rental properties to provide quality housing to low-income renters 

Two years ago I was in Detroit, sitting in a leadership program dedicated to responsible land use and community leadership. A panelist dropped a simple sentence, “When Detroit’s renaissance began there were 4 community development organizations, now there are 16, each dedicated to the priorities of the neighborhoods they serve.” Immediately, I began to think how this collaboration and advocacy has been the true catalyst driving Detroit. You cannot change anyone, let alone a group or community, that isn’t ready or doesn’t find value in what you’re offering. As the city saw growth in some neighborhoods, others with different needs and goals banded together in pursuit of their own progress. 

BAY CITY, MI -- The doors to a historic building in downtown Bay City are open again after a nearly three year redevelopment project transformed the building into a multi-use structure with restaurant, commercial and residential space.

City of Bay City awarded Brownfield Grant to redevelop 1113 Center Avenue

Bay City, Mich. After sitting vacant for over a decade, a contaminated lot in Bay City will be returned to productive use with help from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ). A $200,000 Brownfield Redevelopment Grant was awarded to the city to revitalize the former Fletcher’s Marathon filling station property located in the Center Avenue Historic District. 

The MDEQ brownfield grant will assess and mitigate environmental contamination and demolish the gas station’s foundation and pavement that remains from the previously demolished building. 

Write here…BAY CITY, MI -- The redevelopment of the historic Crapo building in downtown Bay City has a little more than two months to go before it's finished, but more than a handful of future tenants are ready to call it home.

The 127-year-old building, now called The Legacy, is going to feature 26 apartments with hardwood floors, open-concepts, modern amenities and large windows -- some as tall as 9-feet -- that allow for plenty of natural light. Remnants of the former bank building are being left throughout the development, giving its residents a look into Bay City's glory days.

“Can we talk about the elephant in the room?” always garners an eyebrow raise during a meeting. Especially when it comes from someone as straightforward and candid as I. There’s a look of, “Shit, if you’re holding back a thought then what in the hell could it be?” 

Last week I had a coffee meeting to discuss community development with a leader of an interior design company whose niche is optimizing workplace design for businesses. As we discussed the need to revitalize downtown, encourage entrepreneurs, and how many things our city is doing right, it reiterated why I love living here. It reminded me how many amazing elements are within the foundation of this city and its values that we can build upon.