Michigan Community Capital invests New Markets Tax Credits into multi-site development
LANSING, Mich. – Mel Trotter Ministries (MTM) and its subsidiary, Next Step of West Michigan, have been selected to receive New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC) from Michigan Community Capital (MCC), Chase, Consortium America, and Cinnaire. The tax credits will support a multi-site development which includes two buildings at the Next Step campus on Garden Street SE in Grand Rapids, as well as renovations at the MTM mission.
Mel Trotter will receive nearly $5.7 million toward its project goal to build a new 15,000-square-foot manufacturing training center in conjunction with a local manufacturer, as well as expand the existing training center and add workforce development apartments.
“We are extremely grateful for the assistance from MCC,” said Gordon Oosting, chief financial officer of Mel Trotter Ministries. “We often say that we cannot do this work alone, and this is one more testament to what can happen through muti-pronged involvement. The New Markets Tax Credits provide an important source of funds for investment in the areas we are serving.”
The project will help people living in poverty achieve economic stability through access to employment and complementary resources. The new 15,000-square-foot manufacturing facility will be located at 130 Garden Street SE in Grand Rapids. It will be utilized for construction and workforce development training. A section of the building will be leased to Jireh Metal Products, a minority-owned tier one supplier to furniture, automotive and hardware industries. It will include a job training program that will operate in conjunction with Next Step’s workforce development program. A two-story, 20,000-square-foot building, located at 101 Garden Street SE, will be renovated into a mixed-use facility with 10 transitional workforce housing units on the upper floor, and space on the first floor for Next Step of West Michigan’s skilled job training program, construction employment offices and community space.
MCC’s NMTC allocation also supported the recently completed renovation of Mel Trotter’s existing 47,000-square-foot facility located at 225 Commerce Avenue SW. The renovation and expansion of the mission includes 116 units of transitional housing, 400 emergency shelter beds with guest common areas, and dedicated space for supportive services to guests including a variety of healthcare services and social services.
“We are pleased to support Mel Trotter Ministries in expanding their footprint and vital services in Grand Rapids,” said Eric Hanna, president and CEO at Michigan Community Capital. “This is an exciting project because it not only supports Mel Trotter’s work meeting the immediate needs of those experiencing homelessness, but it also supports the transition out of poverty through job training and employment.”
Michigan Community Capital has allocated $8 million in New Markets Tax Credits to this project. Chase provided a $2 million NMTC allocation and is the NMTC equity investor for the project. These NMTC allocations, along with allocations from Consortium and Cinnaire, have provided a net benefit to Mel Trotter of approximately $5.7 million.
“We’re proud to support Mel Trotter Ministries and Next Step with an NMTC equity investment that will provide many essential services to the Grand Rapids community including quality jobs and job training, stable housing, and afterschool services to children in the area,” said En Jung Kim, managing director, Chase Community Development Banking. “Through our NMTC platform, we remain committed to using this impactful financing tool to support continued investment and economic development across Michigan and the US.”
Consortium America 100, LLC provided $8 million in NMTC allocation to the project.
“The Mel Trotter Ministries and Next Step project will have a tremendous impact in the Grand Rapids community, and Consortium America is thrilled to be a part of it,” said a representative from Consortium America. “During our almost 20-year involvement in the NMTC program, providing investment to distressed communities across the United States, this project really stands out due to the level of services offered and the path it provides to its program participants to escape the cycle of poverty.”
Cinnaire provided a $5-million NMTC allocation to the project.
“This multi-site development reflects the alchemy possible when mission-driven partners join forces to create extraordinary opportunities for vulnerable communities,” said Cinnaire Senior Vice President, Public Funding, Peter Giles. “Cinnaire’s NMTC investments are focused on transformative projects supporting equitable communities. This project will provide housing stability while expanding economic opportunities through job training and employment, critical components to putting those who need us most on the path towards a better future. Cinnaire is proud to join our CDFI partners to support Mel Trotter Ministries as they embark on this impactful journey.”
For more information on Mel Trotter Ministries visit meltrotter.org
About Michigan Community Capital
Michigan Community Capital (MCC) is a non-profit diversified public-private partnership that supports the missions of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) by aggregating capital and facilitating the financing and development of low-income and attainable housing, and the redevelopment of complex brownfield sites within the State of Michigan. MCC is a U.S. Treasury certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and the only Community Development Entity (CDE) that deploys this resource solely throughout the entire State of Michigan. Over its 16-year history, MCC has supported over $1 billion in project financing, successfully attracted $320 million in federal New Markets Tax Credits, and helped to create over 750 housing units and 1.3 million square feet of commercial, retail and industrial space to facilitate job creation and expansion. MCC provides products in four key pillars: housing equity, bridge and gap lending, New Markets Tax Credits, and property insurance for Low-Income Housing Tax Credit projects.
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Michigan Community Capital invests New Markets Tax Credits into Flint development
Rendering of the YMCA in Flint, Michigan. – January 4 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 4, 2023
LANSING, Mich. – Developers Uptown Reinvestment Corporation and HWD Harrison, Inc are undertaking an approximately $41-million, mixed-use, four-story development in downtown Flint with the support of $16 million in New Markets Tax Credit allocation from Michigan Community Capital (MCC).
The project revitalizes a long-vacant, blighted property into a 115,000-square-foot building that will include a physical rehabilitation facility, more than 7,500 square feet of office space, 50 apartments, and a full-service, fully accessible YMCA. The new YMCA facility will offer a competitive lap pool, family splash pad, basketball court, exercise studios, running/walking track, locker rooms, community space, and after-school rooms. All 50 apartments will be located on the second through fifth floors, and 19 will be dedicated to households earning less than 80% of the area median income (AMI).
“We are honored to be partners in the Harrison Street Commons. Providing 50 high-quality, mixed-income housing units in the heart of Flint is part of the transformational change we strive for in our work,” said Development Coordinator at URC, Moses Timlin. “Through this development, we envision a more vibrant and resilient downtown with increased walkability, density, occupancy, and diversity of building uses.”
Bringing additional foot traffic and economic activity to the area and serving as a catalyst for future development in Flint, the project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $41 million, bring over 10,000 unique program participants into the facility, and create or retain 51 full-time equivalent jobs.
“Housing, entertainment and recreation are all critically important parts of a vibrant neighborhood. We are thrilled to see and support our partners in Flint as they work so intentionally to create a thriving, attractive and equitable downtown community,” said Eric Hanna, president and CEO of Michigan Community Capital.
Magnet Lending Corporation, an affiliate of Michigan Community Capital, is supporting the project by way of a direct loan in the amount of $2.9 million.
The project is being supported by a $1.5-million MCRP performance-based grant and a $5.5-million MCRP performance-based direct loan from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).
“The YMCA project will not only revitalize long-vacant property on a key block in downtown Flint into a vibrant mixed-use development that will offer housing options and recreational amenities to area residents, but it will also bring additional foot traffic and economic activity to the area and serve as a catalyst for future development in Flint,” said MEDC Executive Vice President of Economic Development Incentives Michele Wildman. “At MEDC, we are committed to supporting transformative projects that help create vibrant, resilient communities as part of our efforts to create a holistic, people-first approach to economic development in Michigan. We’re pleased to work with our partners to support this project and look forward to seeing the additional investment it will encourage in other Flint neighborhoods.”
PNC Bank, N.A. is serving as the New Markets Tax Credit investor and contributed $4 million of its own NMTC allocation to the financing of the project.
“PNC is committed to working with organizations that seek to address pressing needs in communities across our footprint,” said David Gibson, senior vice president and manager of Specialty Tax Credit Investments for PNC Tax Credit Solutions. “With the addition of this mixed-use facility to the community, Flint residents will have access to new, high-quality housing, retail and lifestyle options.”
The City of Flint is offering a 30-year payment in lieu of taxes at 10 percent, with an estimated value of more than $1.5 million.
“The City’s Imagine Flint Master Plan calls for desirable, stable, and inclusive neighborhoods, with a range of affordable and attractive housing options available to a diverse population. This project is a great example of providing both quality affordable housing and recreational opportunities for all City of Flint residents. We are so proud to be partnering with so many public and private partners as we continue to move the city forward,” said Suzanne Wilcox, director of planning and development for the City of Flint.
“We are excited to be a part of this unique project in the heart of Flint,” shared YMCA of Greater Flint CEO Shelly Hilton. “Many partners have collaborated to create a truly modern facility that will address the needs of Flint and Genesee County residents into the future.”
Michigan Community Capital (MCC) is a non-profit diversified public-private partnership that supports the missions of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) by aggregating capital and facilitating the financing and development of low-income and attainable housing, and the redevelopment of complex brownfield sites within the State of Michigan. MCC is a U.S. Treasury certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and the only Community Development Entity (CDE) that deploys this resource solely throughout the entire State of Michigan. Over its 18-year history, MCC has supported over $1 billion in project financing, successfully attracted $380 million in federal New Markets Tax Credits, and helped to create over 750 housing units and 1.9 million square feet of commercial, retail and industrial space to facilitate job creation and expansion. MCC provides products in four key pillars: housing equity, bridge and gap lending, New Markets Tax Credits, and property insurance for Low-Income Housing Tax Credit projects. For more information on MCC visit michigancommunitycapital.org.
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LiveWell on Harrison Groundbreaking 5/4/23
Michigan Community Capital supports Neogen Corporation expansion with $13 million in New Markets Tax Credit allocation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DECEMBER 15, 2022
LANSING, Mich. – Neogen Corporation is undertaking an approximately $110 million expansion of their Lansing food safety facility with the support of $13 million in New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) allocation from Michigan Community Capital (MCC) to support equipment purchases exceeding $40 million. Located between E. Shiawassee Street and E. Michigan Avenue in Lansing, the expansion includes the construction of a new three-story, 176,000-square-foot manufacturing building, that will house new manufacturing and laboratory equipment for the testing and releasing of food safety products. The project is advancing agricultural technology and food innovation supporting the state’s goal of solidifying Michigan as a leader in the life sciences and agribusiness sectors.
Founded in 1982, Neogen Corporation is a Lansing-based company that provides a comprehensive range of solutions and services for the food processing, animal protein, and agriculture industries. Its products include food safety diagnostic test kits, animal pharmaceuticals, disinfectants, and drug detection products among many others.
Over the next seven years, Neogen’s expansion will create more than 100 new jobs accessible to individuals with less than a four-year college degree, and dozens of positions to be filled by professional and technical roles in the food safety industry. Positions will meet living-wage minimums, be full time, and eligible for industry-competitive benefits.
Currently considered a brownfield property, Neogen is investing more than $4 million into remediation activities to prepare the expansion site for construction. Upon completion, the newly constructed facility will achieve a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification.
“Neogen is pleased to expand our Lansing footprint and offer new opportunities for workers within our Mid-Michigan community,” said Jerome Hagedorn, Vice President of North American operations at Neogen. “We are proud to work collaboratively with many organizations across Michigan, including Michigan Community Capital, as we continue investing in our state and create good-paying jobs within the food safety industry.”
“Michigan Community Capital is thrilled to support Neogen’s expansion in the city of Lansing. The influx of more than 100 new full-time positions in the city will support surrounding businesses, shops, and restaurants, generating year-round economic activity in the region,” said Eric Hanna, President and CEO at Michigan Community Capital.
Chase is serving as NMTC equity investor for the financing in the project.
“We’re proud to continue our strong relationship with MCC and support the expansion of the Neogen Lansing food safety facility through our New Markets Tax Credit equity investment,” said James Simmons, Executive Director, Chase Community Development Banking. “Through our NMTC platform, we remain committed to using this impactful financing tool to support continued investment and economic development across Michigan and the US.”
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is also supporting this project. The Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) is supporting the City of Lansing with state tax capture in a brownfield tax increment financing plan valued at approximately $1.5 million to support site readiness and environmental clean-up. The MSF has also approved a Michigan Brownfield Business Development Program (MBDP) grant valued at $324,000 to support the job creation made by Neogen Corporation.
“Congratulations to the team at Neogen on your continued growth and success! We’re pleased to support your expansion in Michigan and appreciate this vote of confidence in the strength of our talented workforce and attractive business climate,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of MEDC and President and Chair of the MSF Board. “This project will not only bring more than 100 good life sciences, R&D, and professional services jobs to Mid-Michigan, but it will also transform an underutilized property and bring new economic activity to downtown Lansing. We’re proud to join our partners at MCC, the Lansing EDC and the City of Lansing to support this project, and look forward to working with Neogen to grow, add even more jobs and provide greater employment for our friends and neighbors in mid-Michigan.”
The Neogen expansion is being further supported by the Lansing Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (LBRA) and the City of Lansing with funding of $30,000 for environmental assessment and fuel tank removal, and by committing to using local tax increment financing to reimburse Neogen for up to $3,500,000 in eligible brownfield clean-up and site preparation activities.
“The Lansing EDC and City of Lansing have partnered with Neogen on multiple expansion projects over the last 20 years. This most recent expansion project is further proof that using the power of public-private partnerships to help local businesses stay and grow is mutually beneficial,” said Karl Dorshimer, President and CEO of the Lansing Economic Development Corporation.
Michigan Community Capital (MCC) is a non-profit diversified public-private partnership that supports the missions of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) by aggregating capital and facilitating the financing and development of low-income and attainable housing, and the redevelopment of complex brownfield sites within the State of Michigan. MCC is a U.S. Treasury certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and the only Community Development Entity (CDE) that deploys this resource solely throughout the entire State of Michigan. Over its 16-year history, MCC has supported over $1 billion in project financing, successfully attracted $380 million in federal New Markets Tax Credits, and helped to create over 750 housing units and 1.9 million square feet of commercial, retail and industrial space to facilitate job creation and expansion. MCC provides products in four key pillars: housing equity, bridge and gap lending, New Markets Tax Credits, and property insurance for Low-Income Housing Tax Credit projects. For more information on MCC visit michigancommunitycapital.org.
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