FREMONT, MI – Fremont leaders breaking ground Wednesday on city’s historic “Gateway” project to renovate former high school landmark into affordable senior citizen housing complex that includes public recreation center

Construction on $11.8 million project expected to conclude by spring 2015

WHO:
Fremont Mayor James Rynberg
State Sen. Goeff Hansen (R-Hart)
State Rep. Jon Bumstead (R-Newaygo)
Fremont Public Schools Supt. (retired) James Hieftje
Lake Michigan Financial Corp. (LMFC) CEO Garth Deur
Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) Chief Housing Investment Officer Chris LaGrand
Home Renewal Systems Senior Vice President Shannon Morgan
Wolverine Building Group Project Manager Marcus Ringnalda

WHAT:
Fremont leaders will officially break ground on the largest senior citizen affordable housing development in the City of Fremont’s history. The $11.8 million project will transform the former Fremont High School building into the “Gateway,” a 38-unit senior citizen apartment complex featuring a public recreation center that opened last year. The Arts-and-Crafts-inspired facility is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was originally built in 1926, with additions constructed in 1946 and 1955, and many other renovations completed over the years. Many of the school’s historic features, including the original oak cabinets and hardware, will be preserved during the renovation. Occupancy is scheduled by spring 2015. Most of the units will be reserved for low-income seniors age 55 and older. Rents will start in the upper $200-per-month range for a studio apartment (depending on income), with market-rate two-bedroom units available for up to $800 per-month. The school’s pool, donated by the Gerber family in 1962, and gymnasium were repurposed by the Fremont Community Recreation Authority for use as the new community recreation facility that is adjacent to the new senior residential complex. The school’s kitchen now houses the new Red Chef Bakery and other commercial tenants.

WHEN:
11:00 AM
Wednesday, July 23, 2014

WHERE:
204 East Main Street
Fremont, MI 49412

MEDIA ADVISORY – Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Contact: Mike Nowlin
Cell: (989) 450-0855

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