JACKSON, Mich. (WLNS) – With new developments being planned in Jackson, new buildings are set to pop up all over downtown.
But developers are also looking to the past to revitalize the present.
In the 1920s, the Hayes Hotel on Michigan Avenue was the jewel of downtown Jackson.
Its 10 stories of grandeur had an impact on the community that lasted for decades.
The building eventually fell on hard times, and in 2003 the last tenant checked out.
There are now new developments in bringing the historic hotel back to life.
“They came on board earlier this year, and are trying to make a run at redeveloping the Hayes,” said Jacob Hurt, the Director of the Anchor Initiative.
Hurt says his Jackson-based organization is working with a developer from metro Detroit to make this $27 million restoration happen.
“40 apartments, 60 hotel rooms. There will be street level retail space, and probably a restaurant as well. So a true mixed use project,” Hurt said.
Bills are working their way through the state legislature to help fund the hotel’s development.
“I think there’s a $7-10 million projected gap in financing in the redevelopment of the Hayes,” Hurt said.
There is currently no hotel in downtown Jackson.
One block away from the Hayes, a major apartment and retail development called the Loft on Louis will break ground next month.
These two projects are expected to have a big impact.
“Anytime you can add a use that will add more pedestrian traffic and get people on the street, that’s certainly an indicator of a healthy downtown,” Hurt said.
Don’t pack your bags just yet.
Developers hope to get started on renovations at the end of 2017.
