A downtown Benton Harbor redevelopment that will add new housing and commercial space is moving forward with state support as part of a broader placemaking announcement from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
The governor this week is highlighting a project led by Abonmarche Consultants to rehabilitate three adjacent, partially vacant Main Street buildings, creating eight new apartments, updated commercial space and a construction lab. The effort is backed by a $1.5 million grant from Michigan’s bipartisan Revitalization and Placemaking, or RAP, program.
“Abonmarche extends its sincere appreciation to the MEDC and the City of Benton Harbor for their partnership and support throughout this redevelopment effort,” said Daryl Knip, president and CEO of Abonmarche.
“This Main Street location has been our home for over forty years, and we are proud to contribute to a project that advances a collective vision for the future. The integration of new residential units over modern office space represents another important step in strengthening and activating the Main Street district,” said Knip.
“The City of Benton Harbor is pleased and grateful for the $1.5 million Revitalization and Placemaking grant in support of the Abonmarche Benton Harbor Office Renovation project,” said Benton Harbor City Manager Alex Little. “Without this grant, the additional $3 million investment in this downtown revitalization of three adjacent underutilized buildings would most likely not have occurred. With the support of Governor Gretchen Whitmer and MEDC CEO Quentin Messer these eight apartments and commercial space are significant steps in our efforts at rebuilding downtown Benton Harbor.”
The Benton Harbor project is expected to generate $4,320,017 in total capital investment, according to the state. The governor’s office said Abonmarche, an engineering, architecture, land surveying and urban planning firm, plans to renovate the buildings to support its office operations while contributing new residential units to the downtown corridor.
The City of Benton Harbor is also expected to provide about $1,136,000 in reimbursement over 25 years through the local portion of a Housing Tax Increment Financing plan tied to the development.
State officials say the RAP program provides gap financing for place-based infrastructure and real estate rehabilitation, with a focus on activating underused properties and increasing residential density in downtowns. The Benton Harbor project was announced alongside a second RAP-supported redevelopment in Midland.
Since launching in 2022, the RAP program has supported 258 projects across Michigan. State officials say the Benton Harbor and Midland developments are intended to help strengthen local business districts while adding new housing and commercial opportunities.
