More hotels, entertainment and active recreation are part of the vision for the Port of Muskegon. The Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce surveyed its' members and found that tourism and recreation are seen as popular opportunities for development.

“Expanding the vision of the port is on the minds of many businesses," according to Chamber President, Cindy Larsen. “Traditional commercial growth is expected over the next few years, yet business leaders also see the development waterfront enterprises such as marinas and hotels. There is also significant interest in preserving natural areas.”

Over 120 business leaders responded to the chamber survey.  Click here to review the rest of the survey results.

In order to satisfy the tight real estate market, a number of new housing projects have been announced. 

The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians and Dirk Stone Real Estate recently announced, Odeno, a housing development that will house 115 new homes in Fruitport Township. This is phase one of a five phase process. 

Chandy Acres is a new Allen Edwin Homes development also located in Fruitport Township. The community features spacious homes with an executive retreat ambience.

Terrace Point Landing, a luxurious lakefront housing community in Downtown Muskegon, continues to develop on Muskegon Lake. There are currently approximately 70 homesites available, 28 of which are directly on the waterfront.

A recent study ranks Muskegon County among the best places to own in Michigan according to SmartAsset's third annual study, which compares average rent and home prices in counties across the U.S. to find the places where buying makes the most sense. Muskegon County was ranked 8th in the state. Stay tuned for updates on the new developments.

There is an abundant amount of economic growth happening in Muskegon County right now! Below are some quick updates on a few significant projects happening in Muskegon:

Mercy Health Muskegon Medical Center - The mild winter weather has allowed for construction to move forward smoothly. New tower steel erection and decking continues on the nine-story tower, and the metal decking that forms the floors of the new tower is completed on Levels 1-6. In mid-April, an exterior Façade Mock-Up will be built in real scale so you will get a sneak peek of what the outside of the tower will look like. The Mercy Health Muskegon Medical Center is on track for a June 2019 completion. Learn more about the project here.

The MCC Entrepreneurial Center - The "old" Chronicle building is on schedule for an August 2017 class start, including welding, CAD, foundry, and general tech classes. The “new” Chronicle building and former Masonic Temple should be complete in November 2017 for a January 2018 class start date for machining, electronics, etc., along with the opening of the Fab Lab. 

Sappi Paper Mill Property - Muskegon City Commission approved receipt of $1 million this past week for a Brownfield Grant through the State of Michigan Department of Environmental Quality for the demolition of the remaining stacks at former Sappi Mill Property. The bulk of the demolition is scheduled to be complete by July 2017. Muskegon City Commission also recently approved an over $44 million Brownfield Redevelopment Plan for Windward Pointe.