MARSHALL, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The Michigan Strategic Fund has awarded the City of Marshall $725,450 in Community Development Block Grant funds to renovate the upper floors of a historic downtown restaurant into housing.
The Schuler’s Inc. Rental Rehabilitation Project will renovate the second and third floors of the historic Schuler’s restaurant. When completed, the project will include seven new, mixed-income apartments to the second and third floors, activating long-vacant, unutilized space in a highly visible building in the heart of downtown Marshall.
The grant will be used for construction activities and expenses including lead and asbestos testing, and also includes $25,450 for administration expenses. Schuler’s Inc. is expected to contribute private investment of $1.7 million to the project, and the city of Marshall has approved a 12-year Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act tax abatement valued at $561,600.
“The restoration of the Schuler’s restaurant building will revitalize a beloved historic fixture while building on the vibrancy and attractive amenities that already exist in downtown Marshall,” Gov. Whitmer said. “This project is a great example of how we continue to focus on supporting community efforts that fill housing needs for our residents and build a foundation for long-term economic opportunity in Michigan.”
Since 2019, 40 projects across Calhoun County have received more than $35 million in public support through placemaking grants, access to capital, business development investments and export support. In late 2020, MEDC awarded a $50,000 matching grant to support a successful crowdfunding campaign for the restoration of the well-known Wagner Ballroom, a landmark in downtown Marshall.
Another local Marshall business, the Plaid Herb, was awarded a $4,000 MI Local Biz crowdfunding program grant from MEDC in 2020 as part of the state’s COVID-19 small business relief efforts. This builds on additional placemaking investments in the region including Milton Tower in Battle Creek and the Peabody Building and Brick Street Lofts in downtown Albion, all of which contribute to the region being an attractive place for both businesses and talent to grow and thrive.
