Downriver Today

State leaders revealed that $1.2 billion in investments toward various projects will help create or retain 1,846 new jobs.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and revealed the news earlier this month, according to a press release from the governor's office. An outdoor recreation and product innovation space will be developed in Marquette by Hoponassu OZ, LLC with a $3 million performance-based grant from the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF). 

"On behalf of the city of Monroe, I wish to express our gratitude to the Michigan Strategic Fund Board and the MEDC for their support of this crucial project. This site has a storied past weaved into the history of our community, as it served as La-Z-Boy's world headquarters since the company's founding," Robert Clark, mayor of Monroe, said in the press release. "Just as La-Z-Boy has turned the page to their next chapter in the company's future with their new headquarters in Monroe, we are excited to witness how this site's transformational redevelopment is setting a new bar for the future of the Telegraph Road corridor in our region. The success of this endeavor shows what benefit can come when the private sector and government work together for the betterment of the community."

The project involves renovating a nine-parcel brownfield site that was the former home of the La-Z-Boy headquarters on 17 acres in Monroe, the press release noted. The city began conceptualizing the property for mixed-use redevelopment in 2019 with a plan that includes "a pedestrian-friendly setting and modernized design principles."

Whitmer said the investments will help strengthen the state's surging economy.

"From Marquette to Monroe, we will expand leadership in future mobility, elevate our growing outdoor recreation industry, create good-paying jobs for Michiganders, and invest in our communities," she said in the press release. "When we come together to focus on the issues that matter, we can support businesses of all sizes, grow our economy, spur innovation, and move Michigan forward."

Quentin Messer, Jr., CEO of MEDC and chairperson of the Michigan Strategic Fund, spoke about the investments, as well.

"The projects approved today build on our statewide leadership in advanced and EV manufacturing, bring good jobs to Michigan residents, support vibrant communities, and help increase growth opportunities for businesses ranging from start-ups to established companies, and better prepare our state to compete for business attraction opportunities," he said in the press release. "We are grateful to Gov. Whitmer, legislators, and local officials for their continued support for our programs, and we appreciate the hard work of the Michigan Strategic Fund board. Today's MSF actions demonstrate our ongoing commitment to ensuring our work is making an impact no matter where our friends and neighbors reside across Michigan."