Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced a $2.2 million grant to rehabilitate the Lapeer Opera House in downtown Lapeer. The long-vacant historic building at 350 N. Court Street will be developed to include 10 residential apartments, a third-floor commercial events space, and support for four existing ground-floor commercial spaces.
The grant comes from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation's Revitalization and Placemaking program. The total anticipated capital investment in the project is $5,745,905, according to state officials.
The 10 apartments will be listed between 50-60% of area median income, with four units subject to state affordability monitoring. The vacant third floor will be converted into a commercial events space to support downtown commercial activity and events such as weddings at the neighboring historic Lapeer County Courthouse.
Additional funding and support for the project includes a water main upgrade from the City of Lapeer valued at approximately $70,000, state CDBG support valued at approximately $700,000 to the developer, and a tax sharing agreement from the City of Lapeer Downtown Development Authority valued at approximately $240,910.
Thomas LaMagna is leading the project. "This new placemaking project will revitalize the former Lapeer Opera House, creating new housing opportunity and making this community a more vibrant place to live," Gov. Whitmer said. "Programs like RAP help us attract and retain talented workers, lower costs, create and attract new businesses, and make Michigan the best place to live, work, and play."
The Lapeer Opera House was the site of an 1879 speech by Susan B. Anthony.