If you have viable ideas for what to do with a 47-acre site in Ionia which contains a massive correctional facility that has been shuttered for nearly a decade, the Michigan Land Bank would like to hear from you soon.
The Michigan Land Bank Fast Track Authority has released a Request for Interest and Qualifications (RFI-Q) for redevelopment of the former Deerfield Correctional Facility at 1755 Harwood Road in Ionia, east of Grand Rapids.
Jeff Huntington is Interim Director of the Michigan Land Bank. He says, “This property has sat vacant for many years and we hope redevelopment of this site will breathe new life into the Ionia community,” adding, “This request for qualifications and interest allows us to get a feel for what developers want to bring to the community – and allows local officials to consider what will work best for their community in the long run.”
The Deerfield Correctional Facility is approximately 47 acres in size and has sat vacant since its closure in 2009. Redevelopment of the parcel would put the property back on the tax rolls and, depending on the project chosen, could bring new jobs or housing opportunities to the community.
At one point last year, Immigration Centers of America, announced plans to redevelop the 47-acre site, creating space for some 500 to 600 U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement detainees there, creating more than 260 jobs on site. That plan was shelved however, when concerns were raised that detainees might include parents who had separated from children at the border.
For the renewed search effort, questions from potential bidders must be received via email no later than June 24th, at landbank@michigan.gov with the subject “Deerfield RFI-Q Questions.” Bidders must submit proposals electronically to landbank@michigan.gov by July 19 at noon.
To view the RFI-Q, click the link below:
