Benton Harbor 'Placemaking' Development Moving Forward

State grant supports project to rehabilitate downtown buildings and add housing and commercial space.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 2:31pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A downtown Benton Harbor redevelopment project led by Abonmarche Consultants is moving forward with a $1.5 million grant from Michigan's Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) program. The project will rehabilitate three adjacent, partially vacant Main Street buildings, creating eight new apartments and updated commercial space, including a construction lab. The City of Benton Harbor is also expected to provide about $1,136,000 in reimbursement over 25 years through a local Housing Tax Increment Financing plan.

Why it matters

The Benton Harbor project is part of a broader placemaking effort by the state to activate underused properties, increase residential density in downtowns, and strengthen local business districts. The redevelopment aims to contribute to the revitalization of Benton Harbor's Main Street area.

The details

Abonmarche Consultants, an engineering, architecture, land surveying and urban planning firm, plans to renovate the three adjacent, partially vacant Main Street buildings to support its own office operations while also adding eight new residential units to the downtown corridor. The $4,320,017 total capital investment project is expected to generate new housing and commercial opportunities in the area.

  • The Benton Harbor project was announced in January 2026.

The players

Abonmarche Consultants

An engineering, architecture, land surveying and urban planning firm leading the downtown Benton Harbor redevelopment project.

Gretchen Whitmer

The Governor of Michigan, who is highlighting the Benton Harbor project as part of a broader placemaking announcement.

Quentin Messer

The CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), which is providing support for the Benton Harbor project through the Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) program.

Alex Little

The City Manager of Benton Harbor, which is providing local support and reimbursement for the redevelopment project.

Daryl Knip

The President and CEO of Abonmarche Consultants, expressing the firm's appreciation for the partnership and support on the project.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Abonmarche extends its sincere appreciation to the MEDC and the City of Benton Harbor for their partnership and support throughout this redevelopment effort.”

— Daryl Knip, President and CEO of Abonmarche Consultants (moodyonthemarket.com)

“This Main Street location has been our home for over forty years, and we are proud to contribute to a project that advances a collective vision for the future. The integration of new residential units over modern office space represents another important step in strengthening and activating the Main Street district.”

— Daryl Knip, President and CEO of Abonmarche Consultants (moodyonthemarket.com)

“The City of Benton Harbor is pleased and grateful for the $1.5 million Revitalization and Placemaking grant in support of the Abonmarche Benton Harbor Office Renovation project. Without this grant, the additional $3 million investment in this downtown revitalization of three adjacent underutilized buildings would most likely not have occurred. With the support of Governor Gretchen Whitmer and MEDC CEO Quentin Messer these eight apartments and commercial space are significant steps in our efforts at rebuilding downtown Benton Harbor.”

— Alex Little, City Manager of Benton Harbor (moodyonthemarket.com)

What’s next

The Benton Harbor project is expected to be completed in late 2026, with the new apartments and commercial space becoming available for occupancy.

The takeaway

The Benton Harbor redevelopment project, supported by state and local funding, demonstrates a collaborative effort to revitalize the city's downtown by rehabilitating underutilized buildings, adding new housing and commercial opportunities, and strengthening the Main Street district as part of a broader placemaking strategy.