27 Detroit Properties to be Paired with Businesses

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Twenty-seven Detroit buildings are eligible to be parried with new and expanding businesses through the city’s new Motor City Match’s Building Track program to be considered for grants and other assistance. 

“The response to the first round of this new program shows how strong the desire is to activate vacant space and open new businesses in Detroit neighborhoods,” says Mayor Mike Duggan. “As Motor City Match moves forward, we are going to start to see new small businesses open up along our commercial corridors, giving residents options and opportunity.”

More than 150 building-owner applications were submitted to the program, ranging from a former bank building near Indian Village undergoing restoration to retail space in Detroit’s Brightmoor neighborhood being transformed into a healthy food hub. Each building was scored on building characteristics, and vision; building condition; community and market support; leverage; and compliance on property taxes, water bills, and blight tickets. 

 The program, which will offer $500,000 in matching grants each quarter, will allow properties to be considered for technical assistance assistance and grants once they are matched with business owners who applied for the Business Track of Motor City Match. 

Moving forward, Motor City Match is considering launching a design-build awards, and financial assistance awards for 30 building owner applicants that have a tenant secured, but need help opening.