Award applied to forthcoming mixed-use development in Sturgis, introducing new housing, destination restaurant to downtown core
Sturgis, Michigan – [May 25, 2022] – Root and Branch Real Estate LLC, founded to drive development that ignites opportunity in Sturgis, has been awarded an investment of $4.1 million by the Michigan Strategic Fund to bring a new mixed-used development to fruition in the heart of downtown Sturgis. MSF provides economic support to local projects with clear potential to advance community development efforts. For Root and Branch Real Estate, the award completes the financing puzzle for an initiative ushering in a new era for downtown Sturgis, alleviating the community’s housing shortage while enriching its core with a destination restaurant.
With the MSF award, Root and Branch Real Estate’s mixed-use development is poised to break ground this summer and will ultimately add 23 new housing units atop a locally owned and operated dining destination. Located at 108-114 W. Chicago Road, the building will rise five stories, with the restaurant occupying the entire ground level. Above, studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments, starting at $650 per month, will accommodate those seeking to live in the heart of the community and within walking distance of its growing attractions.
“Sturgis is on the cusp of a new era of growth, but to fully embrace the opportunity ahead, we must ensure our community is prepared with the necessary housing and amenities,” said John Carmichael, president of Root and Branch Real Estate. “Our mixed-use development will provide new living options that our community desperately needs as well as a long-desired gathering place for residents and visitors to come together. With the addition of the MSF award, this project is a testament to the community’s commitment to developments of this nature and, we hope, a harbinger of future partnerships.”
“The 108 W. Chicago project will transform underutilized property into a unique and vibrant place that will bring needed housing and enhanced walkability to downtown Sturgis,” said MEDC Executive Vice President of Economic Development Incentives Michele Wildman. “At MEDC, we are committed to supporting transformative projects that help create vibrant, resilient communities, while supporting our strong economic recovery statewide. We are pleased to collaborate with Root and Branch Real Estate and our partners at the city of Sturgis on this project, which will help make Sturgis a more attractive place to live, work, visit, and play.”
The proposed building has been thoughtfully designed to complement the city’s existing retail mix as well as aesthetic. The design blends traditional architectural elements into the trim and brick, harking back to Sturgis’s early days. Additionally, the design will be ADA compliant, with handicap accessibility incorporated on the first floor and in designated apartments. The project is expected to generate 25 long-term jobs, bring more foot traffic to the business district, and strengthen the local economy overall, as increased housing can aid local employers in their quest to attract and retain talent.
Further, the property’s featured eatery will be an enterprise with ties to the community. The concept is a destination steakhouse run by experienced restaurant operators from a well-known local family specializing in farm-to-table cuisine with locally grown ingredients. The restaurant operator has also committed to launching an employment program that will create paid vocational development internships for people with disabilities, preparing them to transition to full-time employment at the steakhouse or other area businesses.
In addition to the MSF award, the development at 108-114 W. Chicago Road is being financed by a combination of private investment and funding from the City of Sturgis, the Sturgis Area Community Foundation, and St. Joseph County. The general contractor for the project is Rockford Construction. Construction is expected to begin July 2022 and be completed by November 2023.
About Root and Branch Real Estate LLC
Root and Branch Real Estate LLC was founded to envision, develop, and manage key catalyst projects to ignite the next golden age in Sturgis, Michigan. At the company’s core is an unrelenting desire to have a positive impact on the local community. Owned by Carmichael Family Holdings, Root and Branch Real Estate LLC collaborates with investors, partners, builders, designers, public and non-profit organizations, area municipalities, and local business owners to strengthen Sturgis one project at a time.