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Commission hears brownfield TIF request for 528 Bridal; some residents urge housing priority
Summary
Developers proposed a brownfield plan amendment and TIF reimbursement for a $2.7 million rehabilitation of a 100‑year‑old building at 528 Bridal; staff said eligible costs total about $710,831 over a 24‑year term. Public commenters praised the reuse but several urged prioritizing scarce public resources for housing rather than private commercial incentives.
City staff presented a brownfield plan amendment at the April 14 meeting for a redevelopment at 528 Bridal (Bridge and Seward). The project involves adaptive reuse of a roughly 10,400‑square‑foot, ~100‑year‑old commercial building with an estimated capital investment of $2.7 million.
Staff said the request is a traditional brownfield TIF ask that would cover eligible activities including demolition, abatement and adjacent infrastructure improvements; the plan as presented listed $710,831 in eligible activity costs and a 24‑year term. The DDA intends to consider a related pass‑through reimbursement at its meeting.
Dave Rapp of Advantage Commercial Real Estate and Jared Lutz of Michigan Growth Advisors described intentions to reactivate the building for commercial space and to improve adjacent sidewalk connectivity. Jared Lutz said the capital investment is about $3 million and the team is pursuing state capture through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
Public commenters acknowledged the building’s historic value but several urged caution given limited city resources and ongoing housing needs. Russell Olmstead, a 1st Ward resident, said the city should prioritize housing investments when resources are constrained and noted projected budget uncertainty in coming years.
Staff said construction is anticipated to start this summer and described inclusion‑plan goals for local women‑ and minority‑owned businesses set at 8% (estimated $195,446). The commission did not adopt final action on the item during the hearing; the DDA will consider related approvals separately.
