10/01/2025
Gov. Whitmer Announces More Than $220 Million in Investments Across Michigan, 90 New Housing Units
Investments expected to create at least 800 jobs, retain 175
LANSING, Mich. -- Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced support for 90 housing units in Bay City (Bay County) and at least 800 jobs from investments made by companies with whom she visited on her recent investment trip to Japan and Germany.
“We are excited to announce 90 new affordable housing units and hundreds of millions in new investment that will create and support 800 jobs right here in Michigan,” said Governor Whitmer. “Michigan’s economy is open for business and on the move. We’re revitalizing our communities, investing in our workforce, and building affordable housing. I’ll continue going everywhere and competing with anyone to tell Michigan’s story and show more individuals, families, and businesses how they can ‘make it’ in Michigan. Let’s keep growing our economy, unleashing our innovators, and making our state the best place to live, work, and play.”
“From private investments by international companies to supporting developments in local housing and infrastructure, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) are committed to executing the state’s ‘Make it in Michigan’ economic development strategy attracting and developing People, cultivating and revitalizing Places, and competing for and winning Projects of all sizes,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of the MEDC and Chair of the MSF. “We continue to be grateful to have the legislatively appropriated funds to provide solutions for Michigan’s most-pressing barriers to growth and prosperity so that our 10 million+ friends, families, and future neighbors will have more reasons to realize their employment, entrepreneurial and housing dreams here in Michigan.”
New Housing Starts Coming to Bay City
Riverview Apartments Bay City, LLC, will create 90 residential housing units and two storefronts in Bay City (Bay County) with approved support for a Michigan Community Revitalization Program Other Assistance Loan of up to $4.3 million.
“We’re excited to expand downtown Bay City to the north and bring life back to land that has been vacant for so long,” said Rod Hildebrant, developer of Water Street Lofts. “The demand is clear—we already have strong interest from people eager to live in our vibrant downtown.”
In March 2024, Bay City achieved “essentials” status as part of the MEDC’s Redevelopment Ready Certified program, signaling the community had identified redevelopment goals and created a master plan for the future, which included a focus on a diversity of housing types, policies supporting at a variety of prices points for housing, and more vibrant neighborhoods.
“Bay City is committed to fostering growth that strengthens both our neighborhoods and our economy,” said City Manager Dana Muscott. “This project represents a significant investment in our downtown, bringing new housing opportunities, retail space, and long-term vitality to our community. By transforming underutilized property into a modern, mixed-use development, we are building on Bay City’s momentum as a place where people want to live, work, and invest.”
As part of the project, several vacant and underutilized parcels will be transformed into a vibrant, mixed-used redevelopment. Upon completion, the proposed redevelopment will invest about $22.2 million and add 87,446 square feet of new construction, designed as a three-story, mixed-use building. This project also activates the streetscape, supports new housing options, and promotes walkable urbanism in downtown Bay City’s north end.
“Our team is managing a growing waiting list of potential tenants, which reflects how much people want to be part of this neighborhood,” said Matthew Meehan, owner of The Times Properties. “The new building’s classic design complements the historic architecture of downtown Bay City while offering modern living in a timeless setting.”
