LANSING – State Representative George T. Darany (Dearborn) today thanked the City of Dearborn Brownfield Redevelopment Authority and the University of Michigan – Dearborn for their collaboration and commitment to transform two obsolete Ford Land office buildings into new student housing structures and an activity center for residents and the general student population. The project will not only repurpose two currently fundamentally obsolete buildings, but it will also encourage additional students to live in Dearborn.
“Establishing more student residency in Dearborn will help bring additional economic activity to our city,” Darany said. “Creating local jobs and increasing economic development in our community is one of the most important things we can do, and this project will help us make substantial progress toward that goal. We are showing that we are committed to doing whatever it takes to improve our economy and continue to make Dearborn a great place to live.”
The redevelopment will use a Michigan Economic Growth Authority (MEGA) tax credit to renovate the property located at Town Center Drive in Dearborn. In addition to the construction job opportunities, approximately 55 permanent jobs are expected to be created by the commercial housing and student activities center. Upon completion of the first phase of the project, more than 500 students will be able to call the buildings home and it is anticipated that several hundred more will be able to after the second phase of renovation.
“I truly appreciated all of the efforts that went in to securing this opportunity for Dearborn,” Darany said. “Without being able to offer these particular incentives as part of our partnership with local government, our community would likely not see these improvements and lose out on these job opportunities. The residents that move in and make Dearborn their home will add to our sense of community and our economic vitality.”