Redevelopment Project Announced For Detroit's West Village Neighborhood

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - Three buildings on Detroit's east side will be renovated to include rental housing units, three commercial spaces and a community courtyard as part of efforts to improve city neighborhoods.

The $1.35 million Garland Building project in Detroit's West Village neighborhood is expected to create jobs, while expanding retail and residential opportunities in the neighborhood on and around.

The currently empty structure is planned to house three 1,200-square foot-apartments and multiple businesses — including a hair salon and a new restaurant, Geiger Eat Shop, by the owner of Café Muse in Royal Oak.

"Two years ago we purchased this building, " said Alex DeCamp with Talmer Bank and Trust. "This building was basically a mud pit, a vacant structure and a big hole in the ground over here. We knew that it had potential."

The ribbon was cut on the building on Kercheval Street on Wednesday.

JPMorgan Chase and Capital Impact Partners loaned $1 million to the project as part of their collaborative $30 million Detroit Neighborhoods Fund. The fund is financed by JPMorgan Chase's $100 million commitment to Detroit's economic recovery.

Capital Impact Partners senior loan officer Melinda Clemons said the project is a "catalyst for a new wave of recent revitalization" in the area.

"The redevelopment of these two vacant commercial buildings is another example of how Detroit's turnaround is starting to take hold in more neighborhoods," saidMayor Mike Duggan. "Thanks to our partners at JPMorgan Chase and Capital Impact Partners, this small business strip will become a great asset to the surrounding community and to our city."

"Detroit's comeback will be sustainable if we continue to work together and help those who live and work in neighborhoods like West Village. This collaborative spirit is creating economic opportunity in Detroit's neighborhoods and encouraging others to invest,"added Jamie Dimon, Chairman and CEO, JPMorgan Chase, in a statement. "This approach is a tribute to the Mayor's leadership and community leaders who will make projects like the Garland Building a success."

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