Governor Gretchen Whitmer on Tuesday announced redevelopment projects receiving support from the bipartisan Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) program, creating new opportunities for housing and commercial space in the Upper Peninsula.
Mixed-use redevelopments will contribute housing and commercial space to the downtown areas of Hancock, Manistique, and in downstate Marshall, together generating a total capital investment of over $7.6 million in the state while activating vacant properties and increasing community vibrancy.
The RAP program provides access to gap financing for place-based infrastructure development and real estate rehabilitation and development.
“Support for these projects in Hancock, Manistique, and Marshall highlights Michigan as the best place to grow and thrive,” said Governor Whitmer. “Our growing economy and ‘Make it in Michigan’ strategy that invests in people, revitalizes places, and wins projects is paying off. Our population is growing, and we’ve been ranked as a top state for opportunity and doing business. Programs like RAP help us build on this progress, attract and retain talented workers, lower costs, build housing, and enrich our communities. Let’s keep working together to get things done for our state.”
In the City of Manistique, a vacant two-story building downtown at 109 River Street will be rehabilitated into a multifunctional community hub featuring commercial and residential space. The project includes three new apartments – a two-bedroom unit on the first floor and two one-bedroom units on the second floor – as well as 1,255 square feet of commercial storefront space. When complete, this project will bring new residents and visitors to Downtown Manistique, supporting surrounding businesses and improving walkability.
The project is being supported by a $585,820 RAP grant and will bring a total anticipated capital investment of $1,343,790.
In addition, the Manistique City Council approved a resolution establishing an Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act district and authorized an Exemption Certificate for the property in September 2023 for an eight-year term.
The Council also approved a $22,000 grant in December 2025 to support the development of ADA-compliant public restrooms. The project is a regional priority and is further supported through InvestUP’s Build UP program, which provides $460,820 in collateral support in partnership with Peoples State Bank.
The development team is Modes of Motion LLC, which brings experience in community development and small business, and has the support of a team including InvestUP, making them well-positioned to successfully complete the development.
“This project has been a long time coming for a building that sat vacant and underutilized for decades,” said developers Eric Meftah and Emily Navarra-Meftah. “When we moved to Manistique six years ago, we never set out to become developers – we simply hoped to open a small business.”
“But when we came across 109 River Street, we saw possibilities where others saw decay. The path hasn’t been easy, but we stayed focused on doing it the right way, with mindful alignment of the MEDC RAP grant and the City of Manistique’s master plan – prioritizing uses that could create lasting impact. At its core, this project is about unlocking underused space to create housing and commercial opportunity that strengthens the community, supports local jobs, and builds momentum for the future.”
“I’m grateful for the continued work of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Revitalization and Placemaking program to invest in communities and add housing across the state, particularly in the Upper Peninsula,” said State Sen. Ed McBroom (R-Vulcan). “Projects in communities like Hancock and Manistique will help revitalize underutilized downtown properties while adding much-needed housing for residents. I look forward to seeing the impact of these developments on communities in the U.P.”
“This is what can be accomplished through great communications of multiple government (State and Local) entities in collaboration with the public (property owners and developers with a vision),” said City Manager Corey Barr. “It has been an honor to work with the owner/developers on this project to bring back a building of 100 plus years in age to much needed front store utilization along with rental space. This not only restores a vacant building, but it is another key in our downtown revitalization.”
“On behalf of Schoolcraft Tourism & Commerce, we are incredibly excited for Emily and Eric as they move this important project forward in Downtown Manistique,” said Executive Director Victoria George. “This redevelopment not only brings much-needed housing to our community but also strengthens our downtown by creating new space for businesses.”
“Projects like this demonstrate the impact of strong public-private partnerships, and we are grateful for the support of programs like the MEDC RAP grant and InvestUP’s Build UP program, along with the continued commitment and support of the City of Manistique, which together make transformative developments like this possible.”
“In the Upper Peninsula, redevelopment is often the fastest path to adding housing and rebuilding main streets,” said Marty Fittante, CEO of InvestUP. “This investment brings new life to a long-underused property in Downtown Manistique, and it shows the momentum we can create when public tools like RAP work alongside local commitments and private capital to get projects across the finish line. That is why we are thankful to the MEDC, the legislature, and the Governor for providing the opportunity through their commitment to RAP funding. Further, we are proud to support this project with Build U.P. financing, advancing additional workforce housing in Schoolcraft County.”
This project builds on other recent MEDC assistance for housing in Manistique, including the renovation of a former funeral home to create five new residential units with assistance from a $900,000 Michigan Community Revitalization Program grant in September 2025. These developments will help with the local housing shortage and provide more options for the Manistique community.
In the City of Hancock, the Weider Block building in the heart of the Quincy Street Historic District will be rehabilitated into a mixed-use development, including a brewery and tasting room and four apartments on the second floor. The project includes full restoration of the interior and exterior of the vacant building, increasing foot traffic in Downtown Hancock and attracting new visitors to the district.
The project will be supported by a $1.2 million RAP grant to assist with the historic redevelopment of the building and bring a total anticipated capital investment of $2,584,670. The City of Hancock is supporting the project with a Downtown Development Authority Facade grant of $15,000.
Developer Jonathon Nagel, a retired municipal planner and real estate investor, is leading the project. Nagel is being supported through his first Michigan development project by the Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance.
“The restoration of the historic Weider Block building at 115 Quincy Street in downtown Hancock will bring new life into our growing downtown, adding additional housing as well as a welcoming third space for the community in the taproom of Staghorn Brewing Company,” said Jonathon Nagel, developer.
The project is among other recent placemaking efforts in Hancock supported by the MEDC, including a $4.5 million performance-based Michigan Community Revitalization Program Direct Loan for the Skyline Commons project. Approved in October 2025, the project will create 27 new residential apartments and provide broader community impact.
“I’m delighted to hear MEDC is investing in Downtown Hancock,” said State Rep. Greg Markkanen (R-Hancock). “This will be a great catalyst for the downtown shops and the businesses that surround this project.”
“The redevelopment of 115 Quincy Street is a significant investment in Hancock’s downtown,” said City Manager Mary Babcock. “This project aligns with our community’s priorities of expanding housing and revitalizing downtown projects. The addition of housing and Staghorn Brewing Company will play a key role in strengthening the downtown economy and enhancing community.”
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