Thursday, November 5, 2015
Contact: Jen Flood, Byrum & Fisk Communications, (517) 333-1606
Calhoun County Land Bank signs purchase agreement to sell 15 Carlyle, 64 W. Michigan, 119 W. Michigan; development to move forward
Work begins on downtown Battle Creek buildings in preparation for redevelopment
BATTLE CREEK—Work has begun on downtown Battle Creek buildings as the Calhoun County Land Bank Authority announced it has signed a purchase agreement with local developers David Sciacca and Alexa Smolinski of 180Urban. Property clean outs and roof replacements have begun at 15 Carlyle and 64 W. Michigan, which are part of the agreement along with the building at 119 W Michigan. Under the agreement, all properties will return to the tax rolls in 2016. Further details will be released after due diligence is completed and plans are more fully developed.
“The redevelopment of these buildings in downtown Battle Creek is part of our mission to improve downtowns and promote economic development,” said Christine Schauer, Calhoun County Treasurer and Land Bank Board Chair. “We’re excited to partner with a local developer who will use local workers to bring these buildings back to life and get them back on the tax rolls.”
The Land Bank worked diligently with the City of Battle Creek and its Downtown Development Director to match the right local developer with the buildings, and the team effort involved a number of partners, including Battle Creek Unlimited and 180Urban.
“We’re excited and proud to be a part of revitalizing downtown Battle Creek, redeveloping buildings just down the road from our home,” said David Sciacca, partner with 180Urban. “This project is possible thanks to the leadership and dedication of many partners including the Calhoun County Land Bank and City of Battle Creek and we are proud to play a role in it.”
The City of Battle Creek is managing grants that were awarded to Battle Creek Unlimited to repair the roofs of the buildings and work has begun to clear out the buildings and do weatherproofing heading into winter months.
“With the right partners and pieces in place, we’re ready to roll up our sleeves and breathe new life into these buildings—sparking investment and creating jobs in the heart of downtown Battle Creek,” said Rebecca Fleury, City Manager with the City of Battle Creek. “Like many residents of the city, we’re excited to move forward and begin redevelopment of these downtown buildings with such enormous potential.”
Regular updates will be released to the media as they become available.
The Calhoun County Land Bank Authority is a separate legal authority that collaborates closely with the Calhoun County Treasurer’s office and local municipalities to eliminate blight, improve downtowns and promote local economic development.