Whirlpool has broken ground on a new $20-million affordable apartment project across from its Riverview Campus in Benton Harbor. CEO Marc Bitzer, Congressman Fred Upton, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Mayor Marcus Muhammad spoke at the event Tuesday, with Whitmer calling it a win for Whirlpool.
“But it’s also a win for all of in Michigan, particularly southwest Michigan,” said Whitmer. “It’s a win for the community, bringing increased density and revenue to small businesses in downtown Benton Harbor, and it’s a win for people across the community who need and deserve quality, attainable housing where they live, work, and play.”
The Michigan Strategic Fund has approved a $750,000 grant for the project and relevant road improvements. Whirlpool is working with Harbor Shores Community Redevelopment on the project, but officials add they do not yet have plans for the apartments. Mayor Muhammad says the project began with him asking Bitzer to help grow the city with the creation of a place that can benefit everyone, including underrepresented minority colleagues who will join Whirlpool.
