Muskegon and the surrounding county area
Investments in renovations in the downtown area and the growth of the leisure and hospitality sector are influencing the momentum behind the economic development in Muskegon and the surrounding county area.
Last month’s Muskegon Market Report, published jointly by the Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, Muskegon Area First and The Employers’ Association of West Michigan, highlighted downtown investment data and the growth in the leisure and hospitality sector for Muskegon County. The report noted a total value of more than $200 million has been invested in the downtown area since 2002, with the construction of 15 new buildings and 22 renovations.
Renovated buildings range from cafés, restaurants and hotels to the Hackley Public Library and L.C. Walker Arena.
Some of the newly constructed buildings include: Baker College’s Culinary Institute of Michigan, Grand Valley State University’s Annis Field Station, PNC Bank, Muskegon Central Fire Station, Hot Rod Harley-Davidson, Renaissance Place Apartments, Shoreline Inn and Conference Center, and Muskegon Farmers Market.
Jonathan Seyferth, executive director of Downtown Muskegon Now, said the reconstruction process of downtown Muskegon started in 2004, and the difference in the area from 10 years ago is night and day.
“I’m actually really impressed with where we are at right now, especially considering how far we have come in 10 years,” said Seyferth. “We’re right at the $200 million mark in investment in the downtown with the number of buildings we have had renovated or constructed. That is really impressive.”