| The Village of Stevensville has approved a Commercial Redevelopment Act (CRA) tax abatement supporting the redevelopment of a historic downtown property. The former U.S. Post Office at 2797 Kimmel Street, a mid-century building constructed in 1963, will be transformed into the new headquarters of Applied arts, a creative services agency serving clients nationwide.
Vacant since 2022 and most recently home to retailer Black Arsenal, the 3,300-square-foot facility will undergo a comprehensive renovation beginning in late spring, with completion expected by early fall of 2025. The project represents a significant capital investment and will create 11 new high-skill jobs, with room for additional growth. “This is exactly the kind of project we want to see in downtown Stevensville,” said Kacey Dominguez, Village Manager. “It preserves an important building, attracts creative professionals, and supports the local business environment. We’re excited to welcome Applied arts.” “Applied Arts’ investment highlights the growing momentum in the Stevensville area and reflects a broader trend toward design-focused redevelopment.” said Andrew Haan, Senior VP of Community Development & Growth at Cornerstone Alliance. “A strategic fit with our countywide development goals, this project demonstrates our ability to support the revitalization of an existing building for a company creating high-quality jobs for Southwest Michigan’s creative class.” “We’re thrilled to bring our headquarters to Stevensville,” said Tyson Thorne, Founder and CEO of Applied arts. “This space will not serve as just an office for our team, but will be a place to gather, collaborate and connect. We’re looking forward to building something meaningful here, both for our team and the broader community.” The renovated space will include modern work areas, workshop zones, conferencing facilities, and a gallery for public and client events. The open studio design will allow for creative flexibility while maintaining the architectural integrity of the original post office. Beyond job creation, the project is expected to drive increased foot traffic downtown, stimulate nearby business activity, and boost property values. Cornerstone Alliance remains focused on supporting catalytic projects like this—where business growth and community investment go hand in hand.  |
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| About Applied arts
Applied arts is a full-service creative agency that brings brand meaning to life. They provide They provide end-to-end solutions—from strategy and branding to packaging, environments, and digital experiences—driven by a passion for creating brands that are not just recognizable, but iconic. Known for bold ideas and thoughtful execution, Applied arts partners with clients to create meaningful and measurable impact through creative work. |
