In the third quarter, the Chamber took decisive action to drive economic growth across Manistee County, collaborating with local businesses, property owners, and development partners. We conducted 32 business retention and expansion visits, identifying housing, child care, and access to capital as key challenges that must be addressed for a thriving business environment. Additionally, we helped four property owners connect with businesses to fill vacant commercial spaces.

Housing remained a focus, as we engaged 16 property owners representing over 500 acres, encouraging them to explore development opportunities. We also began discussions with developers, including two construction management companies, to bring new energy and growth to the area. Our commitment remains clear: we will continue taking tangible steps to meet the community’s needs and ensure long-term progress.

Andrew Stafford

Riley Apartments - 610 E Parkdale Avenue

288-unit market-rate apartment project.

• In April, the Manistee County Land Bank was able to demolish the Old Kennedy School with a half-a-million dollar grant from the State of Michigan Land Bank Authority. 
• 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.
• Currently, the project is awaiting the completion of an RFP for the stabilization funds awarded by the County Land Bank. Completion of the RFP is expected in 2 weeks, with the RFP then being released for bid.  

Ringo Oil Building - 518 First Street

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

• Currently, the property is undergoing a second phase environmental study. This study has delayed the demolition of the existing structure 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.

Lakeside Social - 91 Arthur Street

New lakefront restaurant at the old, blighted Little Caesars location.

• The City of Manistee’s Planning Commission on October 3rd approved the site plan with conditions. The Developer is eager to start construction on the project as soon as the final permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are received. 
• Through this redevelopment project, a critical stretch of waterfront on Manistee Lake will be revitalized. 

Strategic Site Readiness Program (SSRP)

State Funds for preparing sites for development.

• With the help of Networks Northwest, State funds will be secured for preparing sites for development. 
• 9 sites have been identified throughout Manistee County as potential sites that could use the SSRP funds.
• Eligible activities for these funds include demolition of existing structures, creation of engineering and design plans, and site assessments. 

Downtown Streetscape Redesign 

City of Manistee Downtown Streetscape redesign.

• Rightside Design worked with the Streetscape Ad Hoc Committee to create visual materials for marketing and stakeholder education on the streetscape project.
• The finalized renderings from Rightside Design will be reviewed by Spicer Group for engineering feasibility, ensuring the designs meet technical requirements and can be translated into engineering drawings.
• This step brings the project closer to implementation, helping moving from the planning phase to the construction phase, and aligning the designs with stakeholder goals to begin the necessary steps for permits, funding, and construction.

Redevelopment Ready Community Recertification  

Program that makes community development ready. 

• The City of Manistee is actively leveraging MEDC’s Redevelopment Ready Community program, securing funding to drive redevelopment projects and boost local growth.
• By streamlining development processes, the program positions the City as ‘development ready,’ making it easier and faster for projects to move forward.
• The Chamber is playing a key role in supporting the City's recertification, ensuring continued access to funding and a more efficient development environment.

The Old Douglas Valley Tasting Room - 431 River Street 

Downtown property available for rent.

• The Old Douglas Valley Tasting Room is up for rent. The Chamber has worked closely with the property owner to list the property on the MEDC’s state-wide real estate database. 
• The Chamber identified and helped connect several businesses in the region to consider expanding to Manistee.

The Old Manistee Beverage - 401 River Street

Vacant downtown building. 

• Currently, the building is awaiting construction of a new roof, funded through the Manistee County Land Bank ‘Blight Elimination & Stabilization’ program.
• These funds were provided to the Manistee County Land Bank through the State Land Bank Authority. 
• The project’s bids were reviewed and awarded on July 19th. Work is expected to commence in the coming months.   
• The Chamber is currently working with the property owner to find a tenant for the main floor of the building.

The Bell Telephone Building - 427 Water Street

Available site for redevelopment and potential housing.

• The Chamber facilitated a meeting with a potential developer. Discussion included the building being repurposed for residential use and the current need for housing in Manistee.

Housing Related-Contacts 

• The Chamber continues to have discussions with multiple housing developers.
• A property owner in Manistee township is looking to develop their piece of land with 8 new potential housing units.  
• The Chamber, in partnership with Housing North, are facilitating a new potential housing development in Norman Township, which would support the creation of 10+ housing units. 
• The Chamber has met with two construction management companies to discuss the potential for larger scale housing projects. 

Discussions on retention, new businesses, and expansion were provided to companies including M R Products, CBS Solar, The Elks, Dwelling Realty, The Golden Stag, Coldwell Banker, Z’s Cart Rentals, The Outsider, and Thoroughbred Boat Company. 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