PHOTO OPPORTUNITY: Monday, November 11th @ 10:30 AM – 203 West Main Street 2nd Floor Undeveloped Area, Downtown Morenci, MI
Downtown Morenci, November 7, 2013 —The City of Morenci was recently approved for a $70,000 Rental Rehab grant from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) to redevelop two apartments up above Subway Restaurant, located at 203 West Main Street.
MSHDA’s Rental Rehabilitation program offers significant financial support and technical assistance to downtown property owners to develop their upper stories into residential units. This is one of the most powerful economic development incentive programs currently available to downtown property owners. Qualified property owners can receive up to $35,000, per rental unit.
Kathleen Eriksen, Founder of Eriksen Development Company, is administering the grant and working as a liaison between the City, property owner, construction crew, architect, inspector and the State. “The City and the property owner have a clear vision for this building. Our job is to help make their vision, a reality. We demystify and streamline the process. Our goal is to make it as easy as we can for everyone to complete the work, to the highest standard possible, and have fun doing it! We’re thrilled to be involved in the effort – it’s very rewarding work!” said Eriksen.
According to City officials, this development has already encouraged other property owners to jump on board. Two additional property owners have lined up to take advantage of this program and are in the process of applying now. “The new apartments being built by Mr. Patel, property owner of 203 West Main Street, with the assistance of MSHDA Rental Rehab funds, are an asset to our downtown. This addition of quality and affordable housing will not only increase living space in our town, it will positively affect our downtown aesthetics.” stated Leasa Slocum, Deputy Clerk with the City of Morenci.
For more information, contact Kathleen Eriksen of Eriksen Development Company at 517.488.5856 or kathleeneriksen@gmail.com. An alternate contact is Leasa Slocum, Deputy Clerk, at 517.458.6828 or lslocum@cass.net.