Michigan Real Estate News

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West Michigan Projects Receive Rehabilitation Grants

Multiple projects in West Michigan have received almost $19 million in placemaking and real estate rehab grants from the state. The Right Place, the city of Grand Rapids and city of Muskegon were awarded $18,991,166. Twenty-two grants totaling $83.8 million were approved by the Michigan Strategic Fund board. The grants are part of the Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) incentive program created to address the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in Michigan. The program grants up to $5 million per project for real estate rehabilitation and development and up to $1 million per project for public space improvements.  Up to $20 million can go to local or regional partners who develop a coordinated subgrant program.

 

 

The Gillespie Group to Transform Lansing’s Former Sears Location

The Gillespie Group is looking to transform a major business corridor in Lansing, Michigan by developing a former Sears location. Located at 3131 E. Michigan Ave., the property is being marketed as ROECO as a tribute to Sears Roebuck.  Gillespie Group’s project aims to transform the property into a mixed-use entertainment destination. It has already hooked the attention of local and national investors. The new development would come to be as thousands of new housing units are being built across the Lansing area. ROECO is situated in the heart of the region and across the street from new dining, housing and hotel rooms. The timeline and and final product of the project will be in flux as the Gillespie Group continues to find new partners.

 

Inflation Impacts Property Taxes With Highest Increase Since 2007

Michigan homeowners can expect to see bigger than normal increases in their summer property tax bills. Thanks to this year’s inflation, many need to prepare for even bigger hikes next year. The inflation rate adjustment for this year’s property taxes is 3.3%, the highest it has been in 15 years. The rate is the maximum increase in taxable value that can apply this year to Michigan homes that haven’t changed ownership or seen additions to the property. The multiplier hasn’t been over 3% since 2007. Inflation’s impact on food and gas prices are obvious to consumers, but its impact on property taxes can be unexpected and somewhat hidden.