As work progresses on the new 80-unit multi-family housing development in Benton Harbor, the bid for the development’s property manager has been awarded to Superior Property Management, LLC. The St. Joseph-based company currently manages 16 apartment complexes and 18 condominium and homeowner associations, and will bring top local expertise to operating the new complex. Enabled through a planned $20 million investment by Whirlpool Corp., alongside support by the Michigan Strategic Fund, the development aims to attract a diverse set of residents, while offering vibrant housing options for the community.
“We’re excited to be taking this next step with this important project,” said Whirlpool Corp. Sr. VP, Corporate Relations and Sustainability, Pam Klyn. “Superior Property Management has the qualifications we were looking for in a property manager and is also a local company who understands the needs of this project and this community.”
Among the properties that Superior currently manages are Benton Manor Co-op in Benton Harbor, Lake Pines/Shores Apartments in St. Joseph, and three multi-family developments associated with Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph, Hartford, and Lawrence, Michigan. The company manages properties throughout southwestern Michigan and northern Indiana.
John Novak, co-owner of Superior Property Management said, “Superior Property Management is excited to continue its 50-year commitment to Southwestern Michigan by partnering with Whirlpool on this important investment in Benton Harbor. We look forward to working with the City of Benton Harbor to make its vision a reality.”
The City of Benton Harbor and Whirlpool Corp. announced plans for the multi-family housing development in June of 2021 following Michigan Strategic Fund approval of a Michigan Community Revitalization Program performance-based grant in the amount of $750,000 for the project and relevant road improvements. With the significance of the project as part of the state’s revitalization program, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer visited with Benton Harbor elected officials and local community leaders in August of 2021 for a ceremonial groundbreaking.
“Less than a year ago, we began the approval and funding process for the construction of this residential housing development, and we’re excited to see progress on the site with a planned opening later this year,” said City of Benton Harbor Mayor Marcus Muhammad.
“This project is important to the growth of our community, attracting as well as retaining residents to the area, including the diverse talent pool at Whirlpool Corporation and other area businesses.”
Despite the Michigan winter, John Auble at Arco Construction noted that construction has continued throughout and the project is making excellent progress. “Everything is proceeding as planned—our work on the site is nearly complete, and we are very close to pouring the foundation. It will be exciting to see the building take shape this summer.”
The multi-family development will have 80 apartments and 120 parking spaces. The project is a $22 million investment, including almost $1 million in public infrastructure. Information on pre-leasing will be forthcoming in late summer of 2022, with an anticipated opening for the housing development in Q4 of this year.
