Project T, a mixed use commercial and residential development planned for the site of the former Mercy Hospital in Benton Harbor, is a step closer to becoming a reality now that city commissioners have approved an amended Brownfield plan for the effort.
Speaking to the Benton Harbor City Commission this week, Harbor Habitat for Humanity’s Erin Hudson recapped what’s going in at 960 Agard.
“There will be 14 duplexes in phase one and a mixed-use building with commercial space on the ground floor and three floors of apartments for rent,” Hudson said. “On top there will be 39 apartment units.”
Hudson said developers Harbor Habitat and Renovare are using Missing Middle funding from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority for the project. Because some of that money comes from the federal government, rules requiring that contractors be paid a prevailing wage have increased costs. For that reason, commissioners were asked to update the Brownfield plan.
Renovare’s Jill Ferrari said if all goes well, dirt will move soon.
“We are on track to close before the end of the month,” Ferrari said. “This is our last step. We’ve gotten the clear to close from all of our lenders. So we’ll be very excited to host a groundbreaking sometime in the next 60 days.”
Ferrari said bids have already gone out and have been received.
Commissioners welcomed news the long-planned Project T is proceeding. Mayor Marcus Muhammad inquired about the prices for housing units in the development. Ferrari said there will be a wide range with much focused on lower and middle incomes.
The developers have been working with the Whirlpool Foundation to make the buildings energy efficient, while additional partners have been found to provide down payment assistance with the duplexes.
As for the commercial space — Ferrari said they have a letter of agreement with Flowers Early Learning for a childcare area in about half of it while retailers like grocers are being sought for the other half.
