JACKSON, MI – A major historic redevelopment project in Jackson has been boosted by state funding, meaning renovation work could start as early as this fall, officials said.
Restoration efforts at the historic Hayes Hotel have received about $4.5 million in funding support from the 2025 state budget through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), city officials said in a news release.
The funds will help close a funding gap needed for The Hayes development to move forward, officials said.
In April 2021, the Jackson City Council voted unanimously to sell the property for $25,000 to J. Jeffers & Co. for redevelopment. The sale was finalized in 2022.
“This is the icing on the cake of all the transformation that Downtown Jackson has had over the last 10 years,” said Jackson Mayor Daniel Mahoney. “I am very appreciative to be here to witness it and be part of it.”
Mahoney believes the new funds will help accomplish a long-time goal of redeveloping the vacant property. The MEDC funding is the result of Mahoney and local business leaders advocating for additional funding to make the project happen, officials said.
The $40-million project – to be called “The Hayes” – aims to bring 84 apartments to the 10-story building. The building’s first two floors will be rehabilitated to offer event, retail and restaurant space, officials said.
“The building has a solid core and shell. Some may see blight, but we see a great opportunity,” said Brian Loftin, J. Jeffers chief development officer. “One of the things that attracted us to the project was all the work that’s already been done in the City, such as the vibrancy that you can see taking shape downtown.”
Related: Peek Through Time: Grand, glamorous Hayes Hotel drew out-of-towners, locals to downtown Jackson
The hotel originally opened in November 1926, and has been vacant since 2003. For the past 20 years, the City has been preserving the building for future development, officials said.
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