The second quarter of 2024 was very active for our Economic Development programming: the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce continued to build capacity, deliver holistic economic development programming, assist current businesses, and seek new investment for the County of Manistee. 

Housing continues to be a top priority, as shown by the Chamber's continued engagement with housing developers. The chamber worked with three new housing developers this quarter. Two developers are looking to develop projects County-wide, with one developer looking to do a housing development within the City of Manistee. The Chamber and Housing North are working together, have led these discussions, and remain in contact with the developers. These projects would total 134 new housing units, and could significantly aid our community's housing needs.

As your Director of Economic Development, I am excited to support Manistee in prospering and fostering a healthy, collaborative business ecosystem. I am committed to supporting the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce's ongoing efforts to attract and retain businesses, support local entrepreneurs, and create a vibrant economic environment. Working together, we can ensure sustainable growth and prosperity that provides all residents with a higher quality of life. I look forward to partnering with you to achieve these objectives and drive positive change in our region.

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to the great opportunities that will remain in 2024!

Andrew Stafford

Riley Apartments - 610 E Parkdale Ave

288-unit market-rate apartment project.

• The Manistee County Land Bank, with a half-a-million dollar grant from the State of Michigan Land Bank Authority, was able to demolish the Old Kennedy School in April. 
• Currently, the site is ready to go for construction and stakeholders are eager to see the beginning of construction on the 288 market-rate units. 

Northern Hotel - 141 - 149 Washington Street 

A historic mixed-use development of at least 13 long-term apartments and first-floor commercial space.

• The Northern Hotel project at 141 -149 Washington Street received approximately $1.6 million in funding for demolitions and stabilizations from the County Land Bank, which received funds from the State Land Bank.
• There remains a funding gap, which has slowed progress on this project. Other avenues for assistance are currently being explored to bring this project to fruition. 

Ringo Oil Building - 518 First Street

Demolition and redevelopment of up to 13 family-oriented housing units.

• With the help of the Chamber, the County Land Bank, and Housing North, the project has received blight elimination grant dollars for the demolition of the structure currently on the property.
• Demolition of the property will take place following a Request For Proposal (RFP) release from the County Land Bank.
• Depending on the timeline of demolition, development could start in mid-2025.

Piping Plover - 385 River Street

New Women’s Clothing Boutique & art gallery. 

• Downtown Manistee welcomed a new women’s clothing boutique and art gallery in June. The chamber held a ribbon cutting event at the store with over 30 people in attendance.

Good Stuff, LLC - 308 River Street

Micro-distillery in Downtown Manistee.

• Entrepreneur plans on starting up a micro-distillery and utilizing the building entrance facing the channel. 
• Conversations are being had to lock down finances and to complete the lease on this site.  

The Old Manistee Beverage - 401 River Street

Vacant downtown building. 

• Currently, the old Manistee Beverage Company does not have a tenant.
• The Chamber is assisting in finding a new tenant for the space.

Housing Related-Contacts 

• Three new housing developers met with the Chamber and Housing North to explore incentives, potential project sites, and first steps.
• Two of the developers are interested in projects that would each supply 20 new market rate housing units outside of the City of Manistee.
• One of the developers wants to construct at least 94 workforce housing units within the City of Manistee. 
• Discussion with all three developers is ongoing. 

Discussions on retention, new businesses, and expansion were provided to Ruddiblush, Jackpine, The Elks, Dwelling Realty, The Golden Stag, Bluefish Kitchen + Bar, North Channel Brewing, Wellnested, Piping Plover, Packaging Corporation of America, and a few others not mentioned due to confidentiality. Some examples of activities done to retain and expand businesses were connecting businesses to affordable capital and helping businesses navigate permitting and approval processes.  

Stacie Bytwork, Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce

Paul Cova, Packaging Corporation of America

Jeff Dontz, Manistee County

Bill Gambill, City of Manistee

Sammie Lukaskiewicz, Manistee County Tourism Authority

Eugene Magnuson, Little River Holdings, LLC

Dennis McCarthy, Blarney Castle Oil & Propane

Kelly Tomaszewski, Munson Healthcare Manistee Hospital

Scott Ward, West Shore Community College/IDC