Genesee Co. Land Bank, Kettering Univ.: Adv. - Flint River Dist. Redev.

 The two projects combined will provide the catalyst for both quality housing and jobs. The project involves constructing 20 loft condominiums and 2 commercial spaces as well as a 22,000-square-foot advanced fuel cell research center within the redevelopment area known as the River District.

• The fuel cell research center is the first building of several to be located on a 17- acre research park.
• The fuel cell laboratory will employ at least 25 knowledge workers and will strengthen and build upon growing research and development initiatives at the University. 
• The synergy created by this project will help lay the groundwork for future jobs in Flint.

Highlights:

• The 2006 Cool Cities catalyst grant helped fund the restoration and redevelopment of two historic buildings on the north side of the Flint River near downtown Flint, the Berridge Hotel and the TinnLinn House. The project played a central role in changing the character and public perception of the area, reported Amy Hovey, the project manager and a real estate consultant.
• Previously used for many years as an hourly rental hotel, the Berridge and surrounding streets were regarded as unsafe and as havens for crime and drug use. After better, safer housing was found for longtime hotel residents, the historic hotel was converted into 18 units with lease-to-purchase options. The units are consistently rented to capacity.
• The Berridge and TinnLinn development has served to attract new residents, including young professionals, to downtown Flint.
• There is a new deli and antiques mall across the street with an outdoor patio. In addition, many more housing redevelopment projects are under way in the area. 
• A grocery store is expected to open in the next several months. These projects are at least in part a “spinoff” from the success of the Berridge and the TinnLinn. Residents can walk to downtown Flint, just a few blocks away, and to the UM–Flint campus.