Downtown Muskegon Development Corporation Redevelopment Project

This mixed use residential, commercial and retail development will encompass the entire 23-acre site formerly known as the Muskegon Mall.

Over 2006 and 2007 nine projects projects totalling $42 million dollars of investment were announced on the former mall site. In addition, the reconstruction of Western Avenue, complete with a round-a-bout at Third and Western was also completed. The projects announced include retail space in a historic setting, new offices for the Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce, additional new construction of office and retail space, a culinary arts school run by Baker College, a live/work town home development, and the redevelopment of the Comerical Bank building as HighPoint Flats.

The site is being marketed as a multi-developer site and there are still lots available. Lots (see parcels and price below) will be sold according to the needs of each developer. Coordination of these sales will be done by the Downtown Muskegon Development Corporation (DMDC). The DMDC is a not for profit entity formed to acquire and develop the 23 Acre Tax Free Renaissance Zone. The DMDC partners are the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, the Paul C. Johnson Foundation and the Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce. The City of Muskegon is an ex-officio member of the DMDC.

Architectural Integrity

To assure continued beautification, appropriate quality and architectural integrity, restrictive covenants and overall guidelines for the development are being implemented by the DMDC. These guidelines can be accessed by clicking here (PDF - 1.3 MB).

First, Second, Jefferson and Market Streets will be rededicated in a grid similar to the original street layout for downtown Muskegon. The streetscape and lighting will be designed to bring lasting beauty to the downtown. Important in the design will be the density of the development and the reservation of sufficient open space. The plan will follow closely the product of Imagine Muskegon, a planning charette involving more than 260 local residents and community leaders.

Utilities

The site is serviced by city water and sewer, and has appropriate electric and natural gas supplies. Utilities will be upgraded and improved, and where possible, electrical service and cable will be put underground.

This development will enhance the downtown’s cultural institutions including the Frauenthal Theater, the Walker Arena, the Museum of Art, the Muskegon County Museum, the Hackley Public Library, the Historic District and many historic churches. In addition, the development supports the broader downtown, including the Energy and Water Resource Centers owned and operated by Grand Valley University.

Tax Free Renaissance Zone

The site is in a Tax-Free Renaissance Zone, therefore the taxes that companies and residents do not pay comprise nearly all the state and local taxes levied on business activity. Other development incentives that may apply to the project include New Markets Tax Credit, Historic Tax Credits, Façade grants, and Community Development Block Grants.

The full marketing brochure for this project is available here in PDF form (4 MB). On pages 8 and 9 of this document the official PUD plan can be found.

For more information on this project, contact Dan Rinsema-Sybenga, at 231-724-3180 or drinsema-sybenga@muskegon.org.

A current diagram of the available units with listed prices can be seen below. Click on the image to zoom in