Capital Fund Title Services and development partners from Kincaid Henry Building Group and the Ingham County Land Bank, are pleased to announce the beginning of construction for the historically sensitive redevelopment of the long vacant former Shopping Guide buildings in downtown Mason, Mich.
In late September, development partners, business leaders and local government officials celebrated the groundbreaking on the Old County Courthouse lawn, directly across from the construction site. Click here to see pictures from the groundbreaking event.
The two buildings will be redeveloped into a mixed-use project that includes 10 new apartments, including six designated affordable units, and the home offices of Oracle Financial Solutions. One of the buildings, the oldest standing structure in downtown Mason, dating back to the Civil War era, will be redeveloped with historic considerations.
This $2,750,000 development is supported by the Michigan State Housing Development Agency Rental Rehabilitation Program and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation Community Development Block Grants as well a Façade Grant from the City of Mason Downtown Development Authority. Dart Bank is providing financing for the project, which is anticipated to be completed in the spring of 2015. Title insurance and settlement services were provided by Capital Fund Title Services, a subsidiary of the Cinnaire, located in REO Town, Lansing.
The Ash Street property has been in the care of Ingham County Land Bank since 2009. “The Ash Street redevelopment project accomplishes two of the Land Bank’s primary goals – responsibly putting properties back on the tax roll and assisting development that enhances the desirability of a community,” said Jeff Burdick, Land Bank executive director.
The City of Mason has contracted with Revitalize, LLC to administer the MSHDA grant funds.
Revitalize co-owner and long time project advocate, Bruce Johnston offered the following advice in light of the announcement: “Never give up – most things in life that are worth it, take time and strong partnerships.”
“Oracle Financial Solutions is proud to be part of this revitalization project,” said Kurt Creamer, Oracle financial advisor and building partner and tenant. “It will create a facility that will support our clients and our community for decades to come.” For more information about Oracle Financial Solutions visit www.ofsadvisors.com.
“It is impressive to see the public and private sector working together to enhance this Mason City block,” said Steve Smith, managing member of Capital Fund Title Services.
“This is an amazing project and we are thankful for everyone’s participation in making this project come together,” said Ryan Henry, Kincaid Henry chief operations officer. The project is a first of many similar projects that Kincaid Henry is working on in various smaller downtowns throughout Michigan.
