Supporting the Revitalization of Communities in Calhoun County


The Calhoun County Land Bank Authority is a catalyst for community stabilization by creating equitable, inclusive opportunities through sustainably repurposing challenged properties.

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Calhoun County Land Bank Authority Breaks Ground on First-Ever New Construction Projects

The Calhoun County Land Bank Authority (CCLBA) marked a major milestone on Tuesday, July 8, by breaking ground on its first-ever new construction projects—two single-family homes located at 82 and 126 Greenwood Avenue in Battle Creek. These new builds represent a significant step forward in the Land Bank’s mission to restore value to vacant properties and provide attainable homeownership opportunities in Calhoun County. Each home will be a two-bedroom, single-family residence, available for purchase by qualified buyers earning at or below 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI). “These homes represent more than bricks and mortar—they represent progress, partnership, and long-term investment in Battle Creek neighborhoods,” said Krista Trout-Edwards, Executive Director of the Calhoun County Land Bank Authority. “We’ve spent years preparing the groundwork, literally and figuratively, for moments like this. Today, we’re not just breaking ground; we’re building opportunity.” The ceremonial event welcomed members of the CCLBA Board of Directors, Calhoun County Board of Commissioners, state and local elected officials, community leaders, and residents to celebrate this important advancement in neighborhood redevelopment. “This is a proud and exciting day,” said Lynn Ward Gray, Chair of the Washington Heights Neighborhood Advisory Committee. “These new homes are the result of strategic planning and community-focused partnerships. They will not only fill vacant lots but provide families with affordable, high-quality places to call home.” The homes will feature energy-efficient designs and modern layouts, with construction expected to be completed later this year. Once finished, they will be listed for income-qualified homebuyers, supporting the Land Bank’s broader goal of strengthening communities.  
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Land Bank to Host Contractor Bid Informational Session

Tuesday, January 28, 2025 Calhoun County Land Bank Authority to Host Contractor Bid Information Session The Calhoun County Land Bank Authority (CCLBA) will host an informational session for both licensed and unlicensed trades professionals. Professionals interested in bidding on projects for lawn and snow services, property securing, and rehabilitation or demolition projects should attend. This includes everyone from lawn maintenance companies to builders, painters, plumbers, electricians, and others. The event will take place on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. in the Toeller Building Basement Conference Room, located at 190 E Michigan Ave, Battle Creek, MI. A complimentary lunch will be provided. This session’s purpose is to walk contractors through the bidding process and get attendees registered on the county’s Vendor Registry system, Staff will also explain how to bid for jobs, the timeline for submissions, when licensing is required or not, plus provide an overview of the 2025 bid schedule. The session will also cover eligibility requirements and qualifications for contractors looking to work with the CCLBA. Event Details: Date & Time: February 19, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. Location: Toeller Building Basement Conference Room, 190 E Michigan Ave, Battle Creek, MI Lunch: Provided RSVP: Required by Thursday, February 13, 2025 Please RSVP here. CCLBA encourages both established professionals and newcomers to attend this session to gain valuable insight into the bidding process and upcoming contracting opportunities within Calhoun County. This is an excellent opportunity to learn how to become part of the team working on various property management revitalization projects. For additional information or questions, please contact the Calhoun County Land Bank Authority at 269-781-0777 or landbank@calhouncountymi.gov.
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Calhoun County Land Bank Marks 20 Years of Community Revitalization

The Calhoun County Land Bank Authority (CCLBA) celebrated the State of Michigan’s 20 years of Land Banking at an open house event on November 14, 2024, in Battle Creek. Community members, local officials, and stakeholders joined the CCLBA in recognizing two decades of achievements in land banking and community revitalization throughout Calhoun County. Held at 68/70 Frelinghuysen Avenue in Battle Creek, a current CCLBA project site, the event included a brief program with remarks from CCLBA Executive Director Krista Trout Edwards, Lynn Ward Gray, Vice Chair of the CCLBA and Chair of the Washington Heights Advisory Committee, and Joseph Rivet, Executive Director of the Michigan State Land Bank Authority. Guests enjoyed a tour of the project, illustrating the Land Bank’s commitment to improving and repurposing vacant and underutilized properties in the county. “Today’s celebration is not just about the last 20 years in Michigan Land Banking—it’s about the legacy of revitalization and opportunity we’re building for the future in our local communities,” said Trout Edwards. “Collaboration and community support are essential to our work and success, and we are excited to continue this journey.” The event focused on CCLBA’s progress since its formation, highlighting the transformation of vacant and abandoned properties into community assets. As it looks forward, upcoming projects and initiatives continue to build on this momentum by focusing on strategic work that aligns with the needs and priorities of local communities and neighborhoods.
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📢 Coming up in two weeks we have the next Calhoun Builders Connection (CBC)!

📅 Friday, August 28th
📍 The Link Community Event Center
311 Michigan Ave W
Battle Creek, MI 49037

Calhoun Builders Connection is excited to welcome Erin Nyholt and Jeff Naber of The Alera Group to our 4th Friday meeting!

Erin and Jeff will be coming to talk about health, life, and other insurances for small businesses.

And how about another field trip to round out the meeting?! We’ll be taking a tour of the CCLBA's new construction projects in the Washington Height Neighborhood.🏡

🍳 Don't worry, as always we'll have breakfast ready for you! Le Mother's Kitchen will be serving up amazing food to fuel us for a great meeting!

Network, learn, and build valuable connections with others working to strengthen our community!

⭐ We hope to see you there! ⭐

#CalhounBuildersConnection #BattleCreek #Insurance #CommunityRevitalization #Networking #BuildingStrongerCommunities 💙🏡 ... See MoreSee Less

5 days ago
📢 Coming up in two weeks we have the next Calhoun Builders Connection (CBC)! 📅 Friday, August 28th 📍 The Link Community Event Center 311 Michigan Ave W Battle Creek, MI 49037 Calhoun Builders Connection is excited to welcome Erin Nyholt and Jeff Naber of The Alera Group to our 4th Friday meeting! Erin and Jeff will be coming to talk about health, life, and other insurances for small businesses. And how about another field trip to round out the meeting?! We’ll be taking a tour of the CCLBAs new construction projects in the Washington Height Neighborhood.🏡 🍳 Dont worry, as always well have breakfast ready for you! Le Mothers Kitchen will be serving up amazing food to fuel us for a great meeting! Network, learn, and build valuable connections with others working to strengthen our community! ⭐ We hope to see you there! ⭐ #CalhounBuildersConnection #BattleCreek #Insurance #CommunityRevitalization #Networking #BuildingStrongerCommunities 💙🏡
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🚧 Progress is happening on Bowen Avenue and Greenwood Avenue!

Each week brings these new homes one step closer to welcoming their future owners. Construction continues on four new homes that are expected to be completed this fall.

If homeownership is one of your goals, now is the perfect time to start preparing by completing a HUD-certified homebuyer education course and talking with a lender about pre-approval.

To learn more about these upcoming homes, contact Melissa Kennedy at 269-441-8183.

These houses are not for rent. If someone offers to rent these homes to you, that is fraud. Contact Fannie Mae immediately at 800-232-6643. ... See MoreSee Less

2 weeks ago
🚧 Progress is happening on Bowen Avenue and Greenwood Avenue! Each week brings these new homes one step closer to welcoming their future owners. Construction continues on four new homes that are expected to be completed this fall. If homeownership is one of your goals, now is the perfect time to start preparing by completing a HUD-certified homebuyer education course and talking with a lender about pre-approval. To learn more about these upcoming homes, contact Melissa Kennedy at 269-441-8183. These houses are not for rent. If someone offers to rent these homes to you, that is fraud. Contact Fannie Mae immediately at 800-232-6643.Image attachmentImage attachment
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3 CommentsComment on Facebook

Great job!!

Where can i but some lot like these?

What a fun CBC on Friday! 🏗️🎉

A huge shout-out to the City of Battle Creek Inspections Department for hanging out with us and tackling all our burning inspection questions. 🔍✨ You made learning way more fun than it has any right to be!

🏡 We loved showing off two freshly rehabbed homes—and let’s be honest, the real star of the morning was Taste-A-Licious Catering That hashbrown casserole? Legendary. 👌

Thanks to everyone who joined us, laughed with us, learned with us, and brought great vibes to the morning! You’re what makes CBC awesome!

📸 Photos below—because if you didn’t take pictures, did it even happen?

#CalhounBuildersConnection #BattleCreek #CommunityVibes #BuildingTogether 💙🏡

Calhoun Builders Connection City of Battle Creek, MI Government City of Albion, Michigan The Link ... See MoreSee Less

3 weeks ago
What a fun CBC on Friday! 🏗️🎉 A huge shout-out to the City of Battle Creek Inspections Department for hanging out with us and tackling all our burning inspection questions. 🔍✨ You made learning way more fun than it has any right to be! 🏡 We loved showing off two freshly rehabbed homes—and let’s be honest, the real star of the morning was Taste-A-Licious Catering That hashbrown casserole? Legendary. 👌 Thanks to everyone who joined us, laughed with us, learned with us, and brought great vibes to the morning! You’re what makes CBC awesome! 📸 Photos below—because if you didn’t take pictures, did it even happen? #CalhounBuildersConnection #BattleCreek #CommunityVibes #BuildingTogether 💙🏡 Calhoun Builders Connection City of Battle Creek, MI Government City of Albion, Michigan The LinkImage attachmentImage attachment+4Image attachment
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👀 What do YOU want to see next? 👀

We’ve got a lot happening behind the scenes, and we want to share what you care about most!

Pick your favorite:

🏚️ A truly rough-before-we-touch-it rehab
🏡 A finished, fully transformed rehab
🔨 New build progress
👀 A sneak peek of an upcoming listing
📸 Before & after transformations

Or share your own idea below!

👇 Comment your vote—we want to know what you’d like us to post next! ... See MoreSee Less

3 weeks ago
👀 What do YOU want to see next? 👀 We’ve got a lot happening behind the scenes, and we want to share what you care about most! Pick your favorite: 🏚️ A truly rough-before-we-touch-it rehab 🏡 A finished, fully transformed rehab 🔨 New build progress 👀 A sneak peek of an upcoming listing 📸 Before & after transformations Or share your own idea below! 👇 Comment your vote—we want to know what you’d like us to post next!
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What if we get the option to pick what rehab is next?

Hmm lots of good choices. I’ll vote for sneak peak of upcoming listings. But before and after are always good too.

🔑 Thinking About a New Construction Home on Bowen Avenue or Greenwood Avenue?

Here's what happens after you find a home you're interested in:
✅ Complete homebuyer education
✅ Obtain mortgage pre-approval
✅ Verify eligibility requirements
✅ Tour the home
✅ Submit an offer
✅ Complete financing and closing

Many buyers may also qualify for down payment assistance programs that can help reduce upfront costs associated with purchasing a home.

Whether you're a first-time buyer or returning to the housing market, the Calhoun County Land Bank Authority is committed to helping families achieve homeownership while strengthening our neighborhoods.

For information on available homes and eligibility requirements, contact Melissa Kennedy at 269-441-8183. ... See MoreSee Less

4 weeks ago
🔑 Thinking About a New Construction Home on Bowen Avenue or Greenwood Avenue? Heres what happens after you find a home youre interested in: ✅ Complete homebuyer education ✅ Obtain mortgage pre-approval ✅ Verify eligibility requirements ✅ Tour the home ✅ Submit an offer ✅ Complete financing and closing Many buyers may also qualify for down payment assistance programs that can help reduce upfront costs associated with purchasing a home. Whether youre a first-time buyer or returning to the housing market, the Calhoun County Land Bank Authority is committed to helping families achieve homeownership while strengthening our neighborhoods. For information on available homes and eligibility requirements, contact Melissa Kennedy at 269-441-8183.Image attachmentImage attachment+1Image attachment
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The Calhoun County Land Bank Authority is a catalyst for community stabilization by creating equitable, inclusive opportunities through sustainably repurposing challenged properties.