Cornerstone Alliance is touting a ceremonial groundbreaking this week for a project that seemed rather unlikely a few years ago, but now will begin taking shape on the edge of downtown Benton Harbor.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the Benton Harbor Waterfront Plaza will take place on Tuesday, December 17, at 10 a.m., marking a step forward in transforming the community’s vision for accessible and vibrant waterfront spaces into reality.
Waterfront Plaza is located adjacent to the new Emma Jean Hull Flats apartment complex, along what’s generally known as the Benton Harbor Ship Canal, a body of water that’s been largely unused for decades. However, with new development in the neighborhood, driven by Harbor Shores near completion and Whirlpool Corporation expansion, there’s new interest in the location as a connection spot with the River and even, potentially a transportation link with water taxi’s envisioned for the summer tourist season between St. Joseph and Benton Harbor downtowns.
According to Cornerstone Alliance, The Benton Harbor Waterfront Plaza will connect the community to 600 feet of waterfront along Riverview Drive, offering new opportunities for recreation, relaxation, and engagement with the water. This transformative project represents a significant investment of more than $2 million to revitalize a one-acre site into a year-round hub of activity and connectivity.
The new plaza will feature amenities such as a water taxi dock, fishing area, fire pit, and shaded seating for food trucks. Designed to enhance both community connection and access to the water, the site will also serve as a space for future programming and events.
“Our community’s future is tied to the water,” said Mayor Marcus Muhammad, City of Benton Harbor. “This project is another important step forward in seizing the opportunity before us, and the best is yet to come.”
The project is made possible through a $1 million grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s (MEDC) Revitalization and Placemaking Program (RAP), matched by contributions from local partners, including a $25,000 commitment from the Benton Harbor City Commission and a significant donation from the Whirlpool Foundation. Harbor Shores, which donated the land for the project, will also oversee the plaza’s ongoing maintenance.
“This project shows what can be realized when partners align. With the support from MEDC, City of Benton Harbor, Whirlpool, Harbor Shores, and Cornerstone Alliance, we were able to make this great community place a reality,” said Andrew Haan, Vice President of Business Development at Cornerstone Alliance.
Sitework has begun, with completion in summer 2025. The redevelopment will address the challenges of the current site, including uneven terrain and limited access, to create a welcoming public space that supports leisure, recreation, and community gathering.
“The Plaza provides year-round opportunity to connect with the water,” notes Chris Cook, Managing Director, Harbor Shores Community Redevelopment. “We look forward to providing a welcoming space programmed with opportunities for the entire community.”
Cornerstone Alliance says it remains dedicated to creating economic and social impact in Southwestern Michigan through initiatives like the Benton Harbor Waterfront Plaza.
