MEDC MiPlace

Looking for new ways to control construction costs, accelerate timelines, and deliver more housing? The future is here, and it’s modular and 3D‑printed!

Housing development is changing fast and new construction methods are opening big opportunities for Michigan communities.

Join CEDAM: The Community Economic Development Association of Michigan on June 25th for a free webinar on Emerging Construction Options and hear from developers and innovators using modular and 3D‑printed construction today.

Whether you’re a municipal leader or a developer, this is your chance to get insider perspectives on:
• Cutting project costs
• Navigating supply and labor shortages
• Speeding up construction timelines
• Bringing more housing to your community

Don’t miss this chance to explore the cutting-edge strategies shaping Michigan’s housing future. Register today! It's free to attend!

🗣️ Registration is now open for our next Strategies & Solutions series webinar, Emerging construction options: What makes sense for your development?

The Association of Builders and Contractors reported that construction prices surged in April, up 6.2 % to start off the year. That’s in addition to the cost increases that have not settled since the pandemic. Coupling the increased cost of materials with the shortage of labor and trades has left many interested in the potential cost and time savings of alternative construction methods such as Modular and 3D-printed housing options.

During this webinar, we’ll discuss what to consider and prepare for when moving from traditional stick-built construction to either modular or 3D-printed homes, lessons learned after making the shift, and where and how to get to the benefits. We hope to see you there on June 25 at 10:30am ET!

Register today: https://app.glueup.com/event/emerging-construction-options-what-makes-sense-for-your-development-183662/

Michigan’s strength comes from the people and communities working every day to move our state forward. MEDC’s 83 Voices highlights those stories and showcases how our community and economic development tools are supporting founders, small businesses, community champions, and local leaders in all 83 of Michigan's counties. Our new interactive map lets you discover local impact, community projects, and inspiring voices from across the state.

Take a look and find your county or learn about the work in other regions of the state: https://www.michiganbusiness.org/voices/

A bold new gateway is coming to Menominee's Historic Downtown!

This project grew out of a shared vision to celebrate the community’s rich history, strengthen its identity, and activate the Historic Waterfront Downtown as a vibrant public space where people gather, explore, and connect.The 10th & 10th Archway will be a permanent landmark at the entrance to Menominee’s Downtown, marking a key connection between the highway and their walkable, people-centered commercial district — and helping to draw people into an activated public space along the waterfront.

In partnership with the Municipal League and crowdfunding platform Patronicity, this campaign will:
⭐Construct a permanent archway structure at 10th Street & 10th Avenue
⭐️Install site lighting and landscaping to enhance safety and visibility
⭐️Add interpretive signage to highlight our community’s history and character
⭐️Support final installation, permitting, and project completion

Together, these elements will create a beautiful, lasting symbol of community pride and economic vitality.

This project is made possible through our Public Spaces Community Places grant program and community supporters. Learn more and become a supporter here: https://www.patronicity.com/project/menominees_10th__10th_archway_project #!/

For this , we are taking the opportunity to highlight the NODE - Niles Outdoor Downtown Experience at second and main! The Niles NODE was voted Top 5 Best of the Best in the categories of Best Live Music and Best Arts & Entertainment Venue and right now it's still in the running for #1!

The NODE was a transformative project for Niles Main Street , and has been a driver of economic vitality as a prime community gathering space in town, providing a vibrant place for dining and community events.

MEDC Michigan Main Street team provided technical assistance in the form of a comprehensive study to identify a location, garner community support, and provide a vision of the final space. MEDC also assisted implementation by supporting the construction of the NODE and we are thrilled the space is proving to be a popular destination in the region. Consider voting for them if you've also enjoyed the Niles NODE!

https://www.heraldpalladium.com/leaderpub/contests/bestofthebest/ #/gallery?group=538701

Last week, downtown and community development professionals from across Michigan gathered in beautiful Downtown South Haven for the Annual Michigan Downtowns Summer Workshop.

More than 90 stakeholders came together to network, exchange ideas, and learn from one another as they work to strengthen and revitalize communities throughout the state. The workshop kicked off with a walking tour of downtown South Haven and a networking reception, providing attendees an opportunity to connect and experience the community firsthand.

The following day featured presentations from industry experts on a variety of topics impacting downtown development, community engagement, and revitalization efforts. Managing Director, Paula Holtz also participated in a panel discussion highlighting the Public Spaces Community Places (PSCP) program and its impact on communities across Michigan.

Downtown Romulus, Michigan is our newest Engaged-level Michigan Main Street community!

"Romulus being promoted to the Engaged Level of the Michigan Main Street Program is an important milestone for 'R-District'", shares DDA Director, Jerry Frayer. "This recognition directly supports the work our DDA is doing to drive small business growth, expand arts and cultural activities, improve public spaces, and build a more vibrant and connected community. The added training, site visits, and guidance from MEDC and Michigan Main Street staff will help us make steady progress on the priorities outlined in our Downtown and District Management Scorecard, from improving storefronts to attracting new investment and enhancing our year‑round events.

I also want to thank our DDA Board members for their steady leadership and ongoing commitment to the community. Their support for local businesses, thoughtful decision‑making, and dedication to strengthening our downtown have been essential in helping us reach this level. Together, we’re building the kind of downtown that reflects the pride and potential of our city."

🤸‍♀️Playtime supported by MEDC!🛝 Through our Public Spaces Community Places initiative, in partnership with the Michigan Municipal League and Patronicity , the Village of Berrien Springs is building the playground of children's dreams and you can help them make it happen! In 2025, a well-loved wooden playstructure reached the end of it's lifespan and was removed. The Village asked their children to draw their dream playground and used the drawings to guide the design and features of the new playground.

The “Drawn to Play” Playground Project was inspired by the voices and imagination of local children and brought to life through the support of residents, businesses, volunteers, and community partners who believe in investing in future generations. This new playground will continue the park’s legacy as a safe and vibrant gathering place for all to enjoy.

Every dollar raised directly supports the construction of a playground designed by and for the children of our community. These funds transform imaginative drawings into real, lasting features that invite movement, creativity, and connection for children and families of all abilities. If the campaign reaches its $75,000 crowdfunding goal, the project will unlock matching grant support through the PSCP program, plus additional accessibility funding to help ensure the space is welcoming for all!

Wolf's Prairie Playground | Patronicity Race to the Ribbon Cutting! Help us complete the “Drawn to Play” Playground Project and bring this community vision to life before summer break!

We’re thrilled to celebrate the Village of Kingsley on achieving its Redevelopment Ready Communities Certified designation!🌟

Kingsley’s journey shows how powerful strong foundational planning can be when it’s paired with community‑driven vision and the right tools to remove barriers to reinvestment. By leaning into the RRC best practices—and tapping into MEDC’s technical assistance—the village has strengthened its planning framework, aligned local priorities, and created a clear path for reinvestment and growth.

Rural communities across Michigan face unique challenges, from limited capacity to housing availability and workforce retention. Through the RRC toolkit and MEDC’s technical assistance, Kingsley has taken meaningful steps to address these challenges:
• Updating its master plan to build a unified, community‑led vision
• Modernizing its zoning ordinance with local input to allow more housing options by right
• Advancing an economic development strategy that supports a vibrant and resilient village

One vision already brought to life is the renovation of Brownson Memorial Park. Supported by MEDC, this downtown project enhanced trails, added accessible and sensory‑friendly play equipment, and expanded inclusive spaces for families and residents—directly advancing goals identified in the community’s master plan.

A huge congratulations to Village Manager Charlie Jetter, President Lajko, the Village Council, and all partners who helped Kingsley reach this milestone. With this certification and continued use of these tools, Kingsley is well‑positioned to keep turning its community‑driven plans into reality.

Vacant buildings are being reimagined into vibrant community assets across Michigan.

In the City of Hancock, the historic Weider Block building will be transformed into a mixed-use destination featuring Staghorn Brewing Company and four new upper-floor apartments, bringing fresh energy, housing opportunities, and increased foot traffic to the Quincy Street Historic District.

Supported by a $1.2 million RAP grant, this redevelopment continues the momentum of placemaking investments helping communities across Michigan activate vacant properties, strengthen local economies, and create vibrant downtowns where people want to live, work, and gather.

This is what “Make It in Michigan” looks like in action.

Read more about the project in the latest press release: https://www.michiganbusiness.org/press-releases/2026/05/redevelopment-projects/

We’re excited to share highlights from the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance Annual Awards! This year, four of the five award winners were projects supported by MEDC — highlighting the incredible partnerships happening in communities across northern Michigan.

Congratulations to:
• Precision Hardwoods — Innovative Financing Award
• Aster Brands — Project of the Year
• Victories Square, Lofts on Lumber Square, and The Block at Petoskey — Guts and Grit Award

We’re proud to partner with businesses and communities that are making a real difference!