BC Seeks To Continue Downtown Turnaround

BATTLE CREEK -- Developers are being sought to purchase and rebuild seven buildings in downtown Battle Creek.

In November 2008, the City of Battle Creek and the economic development agency Battle Creek Unlimited Inc. announced a downtown transformation initiative.

While there are still more than 100,000 square feet of downtown space considered blighted, city officials say the effort has produced more than $88 million in private investments -- and 250,000 square feet of new office, restaurant and retail space occupied.

The latest buildings coming on the market, owned by Battle Creek Unlimited, vary from 7,200 to 47,000 square feet and are in prime locations. These buildings are poised for residential development, retail and restaurants with a focus on mixed-use applications.

Said Karl Dehn, president and CEO of BCU: "We have great momentum with more businesses interested in leasing office, restaurant and retail space, and we have considerable consumer interest in downtown residential space. With this announcement we hope to identify developers who can accelerate the redevelopment of real estate to accommodate this demand."

Development plans by interested purchasers will be evaluated based upon economic development criteria and priorities expressed by Battle Creek Unlimited for downtown Battle Creek and may include factors as follows:
* Presentation by the prospective purchaser of a viable business plan;
* Purchaser-developer's  redevelopment experience, including downtown environments;
* Enhancement of the tax base of the Battle Creek Downtown Development Authority;
* Enhancement of the employment base in Battle Creek;
* Evidence that the proposed project enhances targeted sectors in downtown Battle Creek;
* Determination that the proposed project will provide favorable economic impact in downtown Battle Creek and the city of Battle Creek in general; and
* Level of proposed private investment.

Selected purchasers would be required to enter a development agreement and deposit $10,000 into an escrow account. The escrowed amount would be returned to the purchaser or applied toward costs of rehabilitating the structure upon successful completion of the development plan. As a requirement of ownership, purchasers must agree to complete renovations within 24 months.

This redevelopment initiative will run through April 1. Property information may be found at www.bcunlimited.org/transformation. Community and demographic information may be found at www.bcunlimited.org and www.downtownbattlecreek.com.