Redevelopment Ready Sites

Redevelopment Ready Sites: Region 1 - Upper Peninsula

Bessemer

Located in the western upper peninsula, Bessemer is a outdoor paradise with access to year round recreation and a vibrant art community. The city's up-and-coming downtown offers bountiful opportunities for commercial and residential investment which is essential the city's longterm goals.

Hancock

Hancock is the gateway to the beautiful Keweenaw Peninsula. Since the end of the copper industry, tourism has come to the fore as the region's primary industry and Hancock has supported the transition with its unique heritage, vibrant arts scene, recreational opportunities and eclectic retailers.

Houghton

Nestled in the heart of the Keweenaw Peninsula, Houghton's remoteness, ruggedness, and panoramic views make it the most unique place to live in the Midwest - hands down. With more than 230+ inches of snow a year (2nd most in the U.S.), the city offers boundless recreational opportunities, access to world-class educational opportunities via Michigan Technological University, and a competitive business climate.

Marquette

With nearly 11 miles of freshwater shoreline, Marquette is an outdoor and waterfront paradise for all four seasons. From its thriving downtown to the endless opportunity to hike, swim, bike, camp, snowshoe, and more, Marquette offers an unparalleled quality of life that can't be replicated anywhere else.

Negaunee

Negaunee, Michigan, known colloquially as “Irontown, USA”, embodies the ironclad spirit of the Upper Peninsula. Born from rich iron ore and forged by the mining industry, Negaunee’s heritage and sense of pride is as strong as the steel that kept the economy fueled for generations.

Region 2 - Northwest

Boyne City

Located in Charlevoix County, Boyne City is a scenic lakefront community that strives to meet the needs of residents, businesses and visitors through a vibrant and thriving downtown, protected shoreline, mix of uses and services to support new and existing businesses.

Cadillac

One of only four cities in the nation to have a lake entirely within its boundaries, Cadillac is a a recreation wonderland, offering a myriad of activities to appease nearly every interest, including fishing, boating, hiking, skiing, snowmobiling, hunting, and golfing to name a few.

Charlevoix

Charlevoix is tied to the natural resources that encompass and surround the city. Residents love living near the water and parks, and deeply value the resources the community has built, including the downtown businesses, quality schools, and the library.

Manistee

Serving as the county seat of Manistee County, the city of Manistee and its surrounding area offers an array of activities, from the Lake Michigan shoreline and inland lakes to the newly renovated downtown Vogue Theatre, lighthouses and Manistee National Forest.

Petoskey

Nestled on the shores of Little Traverse Bay on Lake Michigan, Petoskey features eight miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, including the Bay Harbor development site. Residents and tourists enjoy over 170 unique shops and fine restaurants in the famous Gaslight Shopping District.

Traverse City

Located in Grand Traverse County, Traverse City offers the mesmerizing outdoor recreational opportunities as well as tremendous cultural and social opportunities often only found in much larger cities.

Region 3 - Northeast

Alpena

Incorporated in 1871, the City of Alpena overlooks Lake Huron's picturesque Thunder Bay. The wood, cement, and heavy machinery industries of Alpena stemmed from a long industrial heritage that started with logging of the 1800s. Besides these industries, Alpena offers to the public an abundance of businesses along with a community college and a regional medical center.

Grayling

Grayling draws on its accessibility, natural features and strong community spirit as it continues to grow. With direct access from I-75 and M-72, Grayling proclaims to be the “Gateway to the North,” providing convenient services and activities for residents, travelers and tourists.

Oscoda Township

Oscoda, population 6,844, is located on the northeastern edge of Iosco County on Lake Huron in the northeast corner of Michigan’s lower peninsula. Oscoda’s strategic advantage is a high quality of life for those who enjoy outdoor and waterfront activities and low cost of housing.

Rogers City

With miles of clean beaches, Rogers City truly is a paradise for nature lovers, hunters, fishermen, boaters, and anyone seeking a pristine and beautiful location. Whether you are looking to retire, start a business, or to find that perfect seasonal home or cottage, we invite you to come and see for yourself what Rogers City has to offer.

Roscommon

Located alongside the beautiful Au Sable River, Roscommon is a small but vibrant village known for its recreational opportunities and hometown feel. With easy access to key transportation links, it is a great choice for your next project.

Region 4 - West Michigan

Allegan

Serving as the county seat of Allegan County, the city of Allegan offers an unbeatable combination of small-town atmosphere and community-minded approach. Strategically located on the Kalamazoo River, the riverfront boardwalk, historic downtown and homes and friendly citizens give Allegan its ambiance.

Fremont

The City of Fremont has experienced growth in almost every area of the community over the past five years. The City has a Downtown Development Authority District that entails the M-82 corridor running east/west on Main Street, and a Local Development Finance Authority District that entails the Fremont Industrial Park with 50 acres of vacant developable land.

Grand Haven

Grand Haven is the third community to be both RRC certified and a master level Michigan Main Street Community. Offering several dining options, arts, entertainment, history , sandy shorelines, a musical fountain, a marina, and pier lighthouses, Grand haven has a piece of adventure for all ages.

Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids is located in west central Michigan, roughly 30 miles east of Lake Michigan. Grand Rapids is home to 15 colleges and affiliate colleges, Beer City USA, a wealthy array of preforming arts, and home to the regionally known ArtPrize festival.

Hart

Hart is a quaint, quiet community, a perfect place to raise a family and enjoy a good life. The City of Hart features Hart Lake—the 240-acre lake in the middle of town, the Hart-Montague trail, a charming downtown with rich cultural heritage, festivals, historical museum, and the proximity to Lake Michigan and Silver Lake.

Hastings

As a community initially settled in 1836, Hastings values its history. As the county seat for Barry County, Hastings is aware of how its relationship with adjacent communities, as well as communities in greater Southwest Michigan, factor into its role in the region. The City’s location on the Thornapple River also adds to its uniqueness. All these factors have shaped the identity of Hastings.

Holland

Nestled in the heart of West Michigan, on the shores of Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa is the City of Holland, Michigan. Holland has plenty to offer from outdoor recreation activities to retail and shopping for all.

Hudsonville

The City of Hudsonville is in the process of implementing the Imagine Hudsonville 2030 master plan, for which it was awarded the Daniel H. Burnham Award for planning excellence. This plan calls for Hudsonville to become a more livable, vibrant, walkable, and distinctive city and identifies core components needed to bring that vision to life.

Ionia

The City of Ionia is located in central Ionia County, Michigan and serves as County Seat. The City adjoins Ionia Township, Easton Township, Berlin Township and Orange Township, and is situated approximately 30 minutes from two major metropolitan cities: Grand Rapids and Lansing.

Kentwood

Kentwood has grown into a thriving community, home to more than 51,000 people. Kentwood offers a high quality of life due to its proximity to many of West Michigan’s destination dining, entertainment and outdoor recreation options. Centrally located, it’s an easy local commute, thanks to many public and private transport options.

Middleville

Located in Barry County, the village of Middleville is a small, quaint community that offers affordable, quality living nestled between the urban centers of southwest Michigan. The area is home to the Thornapple River, Yankee Springs Recreational Area, Thornapple State Game Area and Paul Henry Trail.

Muskegon

Serving as the county seat of Muskegon County, the city of Muskegon offers two local colleges that provide a large presence of young adults in the up-and-coming central business district. The Muskegon area offers activities for all seasons, amazing parks the Lake Michigan coastline, and more.

Plainwell

Conveniently located minutes from Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids, Plainwell offers unique local shops and events, restaurants and hotels, and two nationally-recognized historic districts that can be enjoyed by walking our river walk along the Kalamazoo River and Mill Race.

Wyoming

Wyoming is Michigan’s 16th largest community with west Michigan’s third largest industrial tax base. The City has grown to 72,125 strong with a diverse cultural base, seven school districts, a balance of older and modern homes, retail variety and an abundance of parkland.

Region 5 - East Central

Gladwin

The City of Gladwin is a delightful community connected by nature located in the heart of Michigan. A paradise for outdoor lovers, Gladwin is home to four seasons of exciting activities on the water or in the woods. Gladwin’s vibrant farmers markets and local businesses to its inviting parks, trails, and campsites, make the community an ideal place to grow within nature

Harrison

Serving as the Clare County seat, the City of Harrison’s access to plentiful state parks and multiple tourism seasons attracts year-around visitors to enjoy its abundant recreational amenities. Only twenty minutes from twenty lakes, Harrison is the ideal place for relishing in the natural beauty that is Michigan.

Mount Pleasant

To keep economic development moving forward, Mount Pleasant takes a no compromises proactive approach to investing in infrastructure and other needs to facilitate investment. 'Meet here' in Mt. Pleasant and learn why it is the perfect location for your next project.

Saginaw

Saginaw is the largest city in the Great Lakes Bay Region, home to more than 50,000 residents. Sitting at a crossroads between ‘up north’ and industrial areas such as Flint and Detroit, Saginaw focuses on making community connections to promote economic development, build new markets for Michigan farmers, and serving as a healthcare hub for much of lower Michigan.

Region 6 - East Michigan

Cass City

Cass City area residents experience American small town living while enjoying high quality recreational facilities, schools, residential neighborhoods, and health services, making it an attractive area for residences and businesses alike.

Grand Blanc

High quality neighborhoods, diversity of business, excellent schools and municipal services, and a mixture of uses to provide a stable tax base and employment opportunities are among the many assets found in the City of Grand Blanc.

Laingsburg

Located just 20 minutes from downtown Lansing, Laingsburg offers quick access to a major employment center with the laid-back atmosphere of a close-knit small town. The city's motto - "Discover, Enjoy, Celebrate" - embodies the city's penchant for family-friendly community events.

Lapeer

Serving as the county seat and a regional hub of commerce in along Michigan's I-69 corridor, Lapeer is a growing community which offers a high quality of life and small town charm. The city's historic downtown provides and commercial areas offer ample opportunity for new investment.

Millington

With just over 1,000 residents, Millington offers both a quiet, family-friendly life style with splashes of excitment and recreation thanks to Arthur Latham Park, its connection to the Southern Links Trailway, and numerous community festivals throughout the summer.

North Branch

With a welcoming, hometown feel created by the village's approximately 1,000 residents, North Branch is ripe with opportunity to build new housing for residents seeking a community-oriented pace of life. You'll find friendly staff and officials ready to assist with your next project and you'll quickly understand what makes North Branch so special.

Swartz Creek

Swartz Creek celebrates a hometown spirit like few other places. Our friendships with each other are lasting and our residents work hard to build the kind of community people care deeply about.

Region 7 - South Central

Meridian Charter Township

Meridian Township has nestled within its borders two healthy and active communities; Haslett and Okemos. Meridian Township is a a welcoming community that celebrates quality education, recreation and lifestyles. Its mission is to provide a safe and welcoming, sustainable, prime community.

Lansing

Michigan’s capital city blends numerous lifestyle options with a strong economy based on government, education, insurance, healthcare and automobile manufacturing. The city’s ubiquitous high-speed internet service and educated population have created a burgeoning intellectual environment setting the stage for growth in the technology sector.

St. Johns

The City of St. Johns boasts has one of the top school systems in the area, known statewide for its theatre and fine arts department. An abundance of recreational assets include ball diamonds, tennis and basketball courts, soccer fields, ice rink, sledding hill, a fantasy forest play scape; all located near the beautifully wooded main city park.

Region 8 - Southwest

Albion

Albion is located along the I-94 corridor in the eastern portion of Calhoun County and is a short driving distance from several metropolitan centers within Michigan and the Great Lakes area. Albion is bursting with musical talent, outdoor recreation, unique food, and history.

Battle Creek

Battle Creek is known around the world as the birthplace of the cereal industry, and today continues this legacy of innovation and progress. Respect for local history combined with modern forward thinking has resulted in a community that offers a thriving local and international business community.

Cassopolis

This lakeside community is experiencing a revitalization in their historic downtown with a complete streetscape and numerous shops opening. Cassopolis has all the character of a Michigan small town-without being “typical.”

Comstock Charter Township

Comstock Charter Township is located in central Kalamazoo County along I‑94 and borders the city of Kalamazoo to the east. As you arrive, whether by foot, bus, bicycle, or car, Comstock Township welcomes you with lush and colorful gateways, planted and maintained locally—an indication of the abundance of valued green spaces and recreation amenities within the community.

Kalamazoo

A wide variety of industries and businesses call Kalamazoo home, including major players in the pharmaceutical, medical science, and craft beer industries. The city also offers an assortment of cultural attractions that one might only expect to find in larger metropolitan areas including music, visual art, dance, and theatre.

Marshall

Serving as the county seat for Calhoun County, the city of Marshall sits prominently positioned to welcome businesses and travelers along both I-69 and I-94 between Detroit and Chicago. The city boasts a rich mercantile history dating back to 1830 when fur trading was its main economic driver.

South Haven

South Haven is located in Van Buren County, with a small portion extending into Allegan County. The city includes a walk-able downtown with unique shops and restaurants, and enough maritime history, arts, live music, and culture to keep you coming back time and time again.

City of Sturgis

The City of Sturgis is located in St. Joseph County in southwestern Michigan, less than three miles from the Indiana border. Sturgis is about one hour south of both Kalamazoo and Battle Creek, and northeast of South Bend, Indiana. Geographically, the City sits almost equidistant between Detroit and Chicago, and is a key logistical location for transporting goods for the region.

Region 9 - Southeast

Hillsdale

Hillsdale is located amongst the beautiful rolling hills of Southcentral Michigan. The city has strong core values revolving around family, tradition and opportunity.

Howell

As the County Seat, the City of Howell is centrally located within Livingston County. In Howell you can stroll amid historic buildings that offer both character and welcoming charm and experience a unique mix of independent dining, entertainment, and "shoppertunity" options you simply won't find anywhere else.

Jackson

Jackson features excellent regional transportation as it is served by Interstate-94 and US-127; it has passenger rail service to both Chicago and Detroit; and is served by the Jackson County Airport. Jackson’s economy is supported in part by three major corporations. Jackson is home to Allegiance Health, the Eaton Corporation and it is the world headquarters of CME (Consumers) Energy.

Pinckney

Pinckney’s traditional small-town feel and prime downtown redevelopment sites combine to offer an appealing location for development. The thriving downtown district would benefit from a variety of mixed-use projects that add to the existing lifestyle options the village provides.

Tecumseh

Among the rolling hills of Lenawee County, you’ll find the historic city of Tecumseh. Tecumseh is a mid-sized city of 8,700 residents and 275 businesses. The city’s excellent school district, extensive parks system and vibrant downtown district are just a few community assets that make Tecumseh a great place to be.

Ypsilanti

Ypsilanti, commonly known as Ypsi (ip-see), is an exciting city with an abundance of opportunities to live, work and play. As a premiere destination for foodies, festival goers, and artists, Ypsi is the place to be for those seeking authentic cultural experiences.

Region 10 - Detroit Metro

Dearborn

Dearborn is the world headquarters of the Ford Motor Company, the University of Michigan-Dearborn and the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation. With a focus on building on its knowledge economy and advancing the quality of life for its current and future residents, Dearborn is a great place to be.

Eastpointe

Eastpointe is a residential community with ample shopping areas, businesses, professional services, green spaces and public transportation options. Conveniently located along I-94 and just a mile away from 696, Eastpointe is close to many local destinations and just a short drive to downtown Detroit.

Farmington

The City of Farmington is a destination for raising families and offers an array of quiet neighborhoods and an abundance of natural beauty with four seasons of outdoor activities. The city contains 37 acres of parks, the Governor Warner Mansion, a vibrant farmers market, and the Winery. A wide variety of industries have chosen Farmington as their home.

Ferndale

Located in southeast Oakland County, the city of Ferndale is home to just under 20,000 residents many of whom are young professionals drawn to the area for its vibrant downtown, exciting nightlife, pedestrian-friendliness, and affordable cost of living.

Lathrup Village

With two major arterial roads, the city provides easy access to the regional transportation system. The city is especially interested in proposals which would help increase mixed-use development along Southfield Road in the Village Center District.

Novi

Novi is a global community, inspiring strong international relations in persons and business enterprises. Novi’s 31 square miles are packed with potential, providing a gateway to 21st Century opportunity.

Oak Park

A diverse, affordable and culturally-rich community in southeast Oakland County, Oak Park is an excellent opportunity for investors. The city's current master plan seeks to attract additional investment along its major corridors, including restaurants, breweries and mixed-use development.

Rochester Hills

Rochester Hills is situated in eastern Oakland County and covers 32.91 square miles. It is located approximately nine miles east of Pontiac and 28 miles north of Detroit. Rochester Hills is a family oriented community, which is clearly evident in its many neighborhoods.

Romulus

The City of Romulus is situated in western Wayne County and covers 35.95 square miles. Romulus is a town full of untapped potential with acres of development-ready land, streamlined development process, and a hard-working talent pool.

Roseville

Roseville is a community of over 48,000 residents and was the first community to attain RRC-certification. The city currently includes businesses in the retail, automotive, military, printing and recycling industries (and many more).

Southfield

As the “center of it all,” Southfield is home to over 10,000 businesses including over 100 Fortune 500 companies. In addition to endless networking opportunities and proximity to downtown Detroit and a major airport, the city also boasts an impressive 98 percentage access rate to high-speed internet – an essential piece of infrastructure for any businesses.

Redevelopment Ready Sites

MEDC is here to help.