Project Brings New Residential, Commercial Space to Downtown Albion
Developer Accepting Commercial Inquiries Now, Targeting Fall 2027 Opening
Construction has begun on the long-awaited Big Albion Plan, which will bring new commercial and residential spaces to downtown Albion. With broad support from the state of Michigan, Albion College, the city of Albion and the Albion Community Foundation, Albion Reinvestment Corporation (ARC) is working to redevelop nine functionally obsolete properties on South Superior Street to create 21 residential units and six new commercial spaces for small businesses.
The $11.3 million mixed-use development will feature:
- Well-appointed apartments with parking featuring one bedroom/one bathroom with an average 683 square feet of space and two bedrooms/two bathrooms with an average 1,135 square feet.
- Attention to preserving historic architectural details, including exposed brick interiors and arched windows, while providing modern amenities, such as keyless entry.
- Residential rental rates approximately 70-100% of area median income (AMI), which will help expand attainable housing options in Albion.
- White box commercial spaces that average 1,000 square feet of space that can be built out to suit the needs of small and start-up businesses.
ARC is a nonprofit organization focused on reinvigorating Albion’s downtown business district and helmed by community leaders and Albion College alumni, including Jeff Petherick, class of 1985, who serves as president.
“We are truly excited to begin construction on the Big Albion Plan, which has been 14 years in the making,” Petherick said. “A dedicated group of alumni, in partnership with Albion College and the city of Albion, have been unwavering in our shared commitment to bring this project to life and restore the heart to the city’s historic downtown.”
Saginaw-based Shaheen Development serves as the owner’s representative for the project. Led by Dr. Samuel Shaheen, Albion College class of 1988, the family-owned real estate development company has worked extensively in Albion. Past successes have included the Courtyard by Marriott and Ludington Center in Albion, along with more than 2 million square feet of residential mixed-use and commercial space in the Great Lakes Bay Region.
Shaheen Development has begun accepting inquiries for the commercial spaces, which are targeting a fall 2027 opening. The residential spaces anticipate leasing in spring 2027, also with a planned fall opening.
“Not only will we save a block of buildings that would otherwise be demolished, we’re bringing new options for housing and retail to reinvigorate downtown while staying true to its historic charm,” Shaheen noted. “We are grateful for the incredible cooperation and support this project has received at the local and state level. It’s a true testament to our shared love for our alma mater and for the city of Albion.”
Albion Mayor Victoria Garcia Snyder agreed, noting: “This project will be truly transformational for our community, which continues to benefit from the work being done by ARC, Albion College, its incredible alumni, the Albion Community Foundation and other like-minded individuals and organizations. This shared vision for new housing and commercial spaces will benefit all of us who live, work and recreate in Albion, providing much-needed jobs, enhancing our tax base and improving the vitality of our downtown.”
The development is close to the scenic Kalamazoo Reiver and walkable to the Albion College campus and to other downtown restaurants, shops and the historic Bohm Theatre, which reopened in 2014 as the first of several major investments in downtown Albion. It was followed by the Ludington Center, a collaborative community and educational space that opened in 2017, and the Courtyard by Marriott Albion, the following year.
“This development is another incredible project that will foster greater connections between the College and our community,” Albion College President Wayne Webster said. “We all benefit from a stronger and more vibrant Albion. We’re indebted to Dr. Shaheen, ARC and an incredible group of alumni and donors who are always willing to invest in building a brighter future for their alma mater and the Albion community.”
Shaheen said the commercial spaces would be ideal for retail, bar, restaurant or service businesses, including law, accounting or engineering offices, real estate brokers and other uses.
“We encourage anyone interested to reach out now as we begin the redevelopment process,” Shaheen said. “This will allow us to tailor space to precise specifications, such as those needed by a food service establishment.”
Commercial inquiries can be directed to Shaheen at [email protected].