Emma Jean Hull Flats, an 80-unit multi-family housing development being constructed on Riverview Drive in Benton Harbor, is now accepting applications for new residents.
The $23 million project, slated to open in the spring of 2023, is a key initiative of both the city and Whirlpool Corporation to promote housing that will be attractive to both Whirlpool employees as well as other residents of Benton Harbor.
In collaboration with the city of Benton Harbor’s elected officials and a priority of Whirlpool Corp.’s Equality Pledge, this development is leading by example by expanding high-quality, market-rate housing in Benton Harbor that will attract new occupants to be residents of the community. When fully leased, the one and two-bedroom units in Emma Jean Hull Flats will be home to approximately 100 permanent residents of the city of Benton Harbor, adding to the city’s tax base and stimulating new business and economic growth, consistent with the city’s comprehensive development plan.
“Despite supply chain disruption, labor shortages, inflation, and some significant weather challenges, the Emma Jean Hull Flats housing development will be opening for residents in Spring of 2023,” said Whirlpool Corp. Sr. VP of Corporate Relations and Sustainability Pam Klyn. “This project would not have been possible without strong collaboration between the City of Benton Harbor and Whirlpool Corporation. We’re excited about the important role this new housing development will play in attracting and retaining talent locally. We know the lack of housing has been a barrier up to this point, and we’re confident the Emma Jean Hull Flats project will serve as a catalyst for even more housing development in Benton Harbor.”
Consistent with the objective of linking the project to the local community, the apartment will reserve units for public service workers (teachers, police officers, firefighters, etc). This program for “Hometown Heroes” will ensure that the building’s residents are connected to the community they call home. Those interested in the Hometown Hero program must complete an application and meet the same leasing criteria as any other resident. Hometown Heroes will be eligible for reduced rent based on financial need. Eligibility for the program will be consistent with all federal, state and local housing laws.
“We want to continue to grow our city to become a place that welcomes all people to live here, including those ‘Hometown Heroes’ who work hard to make our community better every single day, our underrepresented colleagues who will be joining Whirlpool, and others looking to settle in our community, such as the graduates of our local high school,” said city of Benton Harbor Mayor Marcus Muhammad. “This waterfront facility can be the magnet to attract a talented and diverse set of residents, proud to call Benton Harbor home.”
All residents will be required to be permanent residents of the city of Benton Harbor for the entire duration of the lease. Short-term, part-time, or vacation rentals will not be allowed for any of the units, and monthly rents will start at $1,350 for one-bedroom units and $1,650 for two-bedroom units. Emma Jean Hull Flats will offer its residents modern amenities, including a rooftop patio with spectacular waterfront views and a dog park. With easy access to walking paths, kayaking, fishing, golf, and local restaurants, this property offers one of the best apartment living experiences in Southwest Michigan.
Superior Properties, an independent, local property management company, manages the property for Whirlpool Corporation. Anyone interested in becoming a resident of Emma Jean Hull Flats can obtain a rental application online at www.emmajhullflats.com or by contacting Superior Property Management by emailing ejhullflats@superiormgmtmi.com or by phone at 269-743-4870.
– Submitted by Whirlpool
