July 19, 2006

LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced that seven projects have been selected for the 2006 Cool Cities Grants and Program.  The remaining 2006 Cool Cities designees will be announced on Thursday, July 20 with events at 1:00 p.m. in Grand Rapids at The Hubb, 1515 Madison SE, and at 3:30 p.m. in Old Town Lansing in front of Creole Gallery at 1218 Turner.

The Cool Cities designations are part of Granholm’s economic plan to revitalize Michigan’s cities by retaining and attracting jobs and people to grow Michigan’s economy.

“Michigan’s economic success is directly tied to our ability to attract and retain jobs and opportunities that will keep our young adults here in Michigan,” Granholm said. “The Cool Cities initiative is a critical tool for achieving vibrant cities, which attract job providers who in turn provide the opportunities that will grow our economy.”

A Cool Cities designation brings with it a variety of “tool box” items provided by state agencies to help Michigan cities and neighborhoods achieve the projects outlined in their applications submitted for consideration by a review committee. The Cool Cities program utilizes existing state resources, which are used more efficiently through the collaboration of state agencies.

Now in its third year, the Cool Cities initiative offers a “Neighborhoods in Progress” designation, which awards $100,000 catalyst grants along with priority access to existing state grant funds, loans, tax credits, or services that can help create vibrant, mixed-use neighborhoods. 

The seven projects announced today will receive the Cool Cities “Neighborhoods in Progress” designation and priority access to “tool box” items.  Six of the seven will also each receive the catalyst grant of $100,000. The six projects receiving the Cool Cities Neighborhoods in Progress and catalyst grant are located in Benton Harbor, Detroit (3), Flint, and Pontiac.  The seventh project, located in Dearborn, will receive the Cool City designation and priority access to state resources, however they will not receive the $100,000 catalyst funding.

“We had the funding available for 12 Neighborhoods in Progress, however we received 16 outstanding for proposals.  As a result, we opted to Dearborn and three other projects as Cool Cities designees to assist their projects with the resources we have available including priority access and technical assistance,” said Department of Labor & Economic Growth Director Robert W. Swanson. “We’ve learned from past Cool Cities projects that just the designation alone gives them an opportunity to leverage significant investment into their communities.” 

The cities participating in the first year of the program say the Cool Cities designation helped create 400 new jobs and retain 500 existing jobs. They also reported more than $350 million was contributed by local, state, and private organizations.

The Cool Cities program was expanded in 2005 with new categories: Cool Cities Michigan Main Street and Cool Cities Blueprints for Michigan’s Downtowns. Like the Neighborhoods in Progress, designees in these categories will participate in a State Resource Fair and receive the “Cool Cities Neighborhood” designation as well as special consideration for certain Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) programs.

The Cool Cities initiative breaks down the silos of state government by having a multi-agency team review each application.  The team looks for proposals that demonstrate close partnerships with existing community organizations and the private sector and offer plans for creating large-scale neighborhood or community improvement.

“This initiative is key to the Governor’s overall economic development strategy, and we are pleased that we can be of assistance to cities that want to bring back their downtowns and neighborhoods,” said MSHDA Executive Director Michael R. DeVos. “The Cool Cities initiative is an excellent example of what can happen when state agencies and local governments and development organizations work together to bring jobs and people to their communities.”

Following are brief descriptions of the Cool City Neighborhoods in Progress recipients:

• Genesee County Land Bank Authority/ Kettering University: Advanced Technology & Alternative Energy Research Bldg. (Flint)
     o The two projects combined will provide the catalyst for both quality housing and jobs. The project involves      constructing 20 loft condominiums and two commercial spaces and a 22,000 sq. ft. advanced fuel cell research center within the redevelopment area known as the River District.
     o The fuel cell research center is the first building of several to be located on a 17- acre research park.
     o The fuel cell laboratory will employ at least 25 knowledge workers and will strengthen and build upon growing research  and development initiatives at the University. 
     o The synergy created by this project will help lay the groundwork for future jobs in Flint.
• Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation (Detroit)
     o Grandmont Rosedale Commercial Revitalization will enhance the streetscape environment of our Grand River commercial district which will spur new business development and job creation along the corridor. 
     o The project is already underway and is leveraging millions of dollars in public and private investment.
     o Specifically, the Catalyst Grant would be used to repair and landscape historic neighborhood entrances and make improvements to the site of our proposed Farmers' Market.
• Citizens For Progressive Change (Benton Harbor)
     o Creation of the "Heart of the City Artist Studios at 80 West Main" includes completion of the rehabilitation of the Historic McClellan Building which will include three new and separate building facades, outdoor directional signs & murals, a "Welcome to the Downtown Benton Harbor Arts District" signage, streetscapes, seven artist studios, two fine art galleries, a welcome/ library center for Students of the Arts, one additional retail shop, and an artist in resident apartment. 
     o The project will create approximately twelve new jobs and provide a springboard for downtown growth.
• Focus: HOPE, A Michigan Non Profit Corporation (Detroit) Also affects a portion of Highland Park
     o The Catalyst project will change the face of a very important corner in our community, making it a focal point of activity, and a place with the potential for activity during both the day and the evening.
     o The Catalyst Project will provide new housing, new retail, and a new outdoor interactive environment, as well as serving as the springboard for future redevelopment of this portion of Detroit and Highland Park.
• Arab American and Chaldean Council (Detroit)
     o The ACC has identified several Arab-American, Chaldean, and African-American artists who have expressed a need for studio and gallery space.
     o The ACC has already demolished an existing building to provide space for the Artisana adjacent to the planned pocket park and Youth Center. There are no other arts facilities in the 7-mile area.
• City of Pontiac, Pontiac Growth Group (Pontiac)
     o This project will house performances and music workshops sponsored by members of Clear Channel Communication, Live Nation and the Arts Beats and Eats Foundation.
     o Each group has committed to providing workshops and clinics for youth in music: performance, sound, lighting, staging and technical assistance to the industry.

The following is one of four projects that are Cool City Neighborhoods in Progress, which will not receive the catalyst funding but will be given the same priority access to state resources and technical assistance:

• City of Dearborn, with Chamber of Commerce, West Downtown Development Authority, West Business Association
     o The City is creating a new Visitor and Welcome Center in the historic, centrally located Bryant Library is the next step in our redevelopment strategy.
     o Combined City, Chamber and tourism resources will inform and assist visitors and investors.