Flint is experiencing a wave of community revitalization, with several projects underway aimed at enhancing the city’s infrastructure and quality of life for its residents.
New Housing and Commercial Developments
Two significant redevelopment projects are set to transform vacant properties in Flint and Montrose. In Flint, a historic building at 703 S. Grand Traverse Street will be converted into the Sit Down Taproom & Purveyor, an American public house-style restaurant themed around the 1936–37 Flint Sit-Down Strike. This project is supported by a $250,000 Build MI Community grant and is expected to generate a total investment of approximately $834,500. The City of Flint is also contributing through a tax abatement valued at an estimated $100,000 under its Obsolete Property Rehabilitation District program.
In Montrose, a vacant building will be transformed into a mixed-use development featuring five new apartments and over 2,500 square feet of commercial space. This initiative aims to increase housing availability and boost foot traffic in the downtown area. The project will receive a $944,000 Revitalization and Placemaking grant, along with approval of an Act 381 Work Plan and $76,333 in Brownfield Tax Increment Financing support.
YMCA of Greater Flint’s New Facility
The YMCA of Greater Flint, in partnership with the Uptown Reinvestment Corporation Foundation, is constructing a mixed-use facility in downtown Flint. This development will co-locate affordable housing, a community wellness center, and youth education and family programming. The new Downtown Flint YMCA will include a six-lane lap pool, family splash pad, spa, locker rooms, a full-length basketball court, and a running and walking track. Additionally, it will feature a cardio and weight room, common rooms for community partners and educational programs, and space for a health partner to co-locate onsite.
Resident-Led Neighborhood Improvement Projects
Beyond these large-scale developments, Flint residents are actively participating in neighborhood improvement projects. The Mott Foundation’s Centennial Neighborhood Improvement Initiative has awarded grants totaling $506,500 to support 37 resident-led projects across the city. These initiatives include neighborhood cleanups, beautification of community gathering spaces, yoga and poetry in the park, sidewalk repairs, and more. Such efforts aim to create visible change and enhance community vibrancy in Flint’s neighborhoods.
These projects collectively represent a significant investment in Flint’s future, fostering economic growth, community engagement, and improved quality of life for its residents.