“In 2023, we saw significant investment and economic growth in Bay City. To start, there were fifteen new businesses and nonprofits that had ribbon cuttings led by the Chamber Ambassadors. We had a total of $46.3 million dollars of capital investment this past year. North Peak’s $4.8 million dollar project is still under way and this project includes the rehabilitation of a functionally obsolete commercial building located on Water Street. The redevelopment consists of two interconnected, mixed-use buildings that will become two different restaurants and three apartments. Rehabilitation is expected to be completed this summer.
H2O’s invested $2 million dollars to rehabilitate a functionally obsolete commercial building located on Midland Street. The rehabilitation included remodeling the property into a full-service riverfront restaurant and bar. Mersen announced a significant expansion of their Bay City location over the next 4-5 years in the estimated amount of $75 million dollars to expand by acquiring land, construction of a warehouse and manufacturing buildings and purchase of needed manufacturing machines. Their labor force is expected to expand by 72 employees by 2027.
We also saw other investments in our city such as $20 million dollars for the continuation of Uptown; $1 Million dollars for construction of a 10,000 square foot building for Bay Carbon to accommodate increased demand, and Gougeon Brothers invested over $600,000 to demolish their existing office and other buildings to modernize operations and make infrastructure improvements.
Two exciting capital investments took place on the west side in the Midland Street area. The former Arlington Hotel will see an investment of $1.5 million dollars for interior renovation to keep the first-floor a bar and conversion of the second and third floors into 10 to 12 two bedroom/one bathroom apartments. The former Sage Lumber Mill, which was the largest mill in the late 1800’s, is the new home to the Liberty Harbor Event Center. Most of you would know this building as the old Hereford and Hops or Lumber Barons. Renovations are currently taking place to open a nightclub, Brewpub, Banquet Center and a Cigar Bar.
The City was also awarded a $1 million dollar brownfield revolving loan grant from the USEPA to offer loans to developers to fund environmental cleanups on development projects. The funds are from President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda and Bay City was one of seven communities in Michigan that were awarded funds.”
—City Manager Dana Muscott
“The State of Bay County is strong. We have a balanced budget. Our County departments continue to provide day-to-day required services and remain highly accessible to the public. The State of the County is also ENERGIZED. I use this term because several large-scale planning projects have seen SIGNIFICANT movement and action.
First, Bay County has acquired the former Art Van building on Wilder Road and will transform 45,000 square feet of existing space into a state-of-the-art Health Services Center to provide collaborative care, improve health outcomes, and enhance the quality of life for those in need. This concept was designed to deliver comprehensive, high-quality, health and social services to the underserved population at a single location. Having a one-stop-shop will eliminate barriers that currently exist in accessing services. Bids for the design and construction of this space will be released soon.
This project refurbishes a good quality, existing building in a high-traffic, easy to access area within a budget of 11 million dollars. To make this project a reality, Bay County allocated nearly half of its federal ARPA funds - 9 million dollars - and Congressman Kildee graciously secured 2 million dollars in Federal Community Project Funding. This cooperative funding was announced by Congressman Kildee and myself on January 22nd at a press event inside the new Bay County Health Services Center. Thank you again Congressman Kildee and congratulations on your upcoming retirement from Congress.
I am also excited to announce that the design and construction phases of a new Bay County Animal Services and Adoption Center are officially underway! Vastly improving the lives and adoption rates of the animals in our care continues to be an important mission. However, this Department is responsible for more than housing adoptable pets – it also performs essential work that ensures public safety for both people and animals. Our officers enforce the animal control ordinance and work with local and state law enforcement agencies to protect the public from dangerous animals and communicable diseases. Bay County has contracted with Spence Brothers, and are working with William A. Kibbe and Associates. These two firms have extensive experience in creating animal care centers that fit the needs and health requirements of the animals. A ceremonial groundbreaking is set for late spring at the Bay County Fairgrounds.”
—County Executive Jim Barcia
