stakeholders and local officials gathered to mark the construction kick-off of the mixed-use development at 108-114 W. Chicago Road.
Start of construction marks a watershed moment for Sturgis’ future and growth
Sturgis, Michigan – [August 12, 2022] – Root and Branch Real Estate LLC, founded to drive development that ignites opportunity in Sturgis, celebrated yesterday the kickoff of the construction of a new mixed-use development in the heart of downtown Sturgis. Scheduled to open in winter 2023, the development will help alleviate the community’s housing shortage while enriching its core with a destination restaurant. The building will feature 23 new housing units atop a locally owned and operated steakhouse.
Key stakeholders and local officials gathered at the project site for a ceremonial groundbreaking event. Present were: John Carmichael, president & CEO, Root and Branch Real Estate LLC; Dan Carmichael, president, Root and Branch Real Estate LLC; Jeremy Gump, chief administrative officer, GT Independence; Mike Hughes, city manager, City of Sturgis; Lindsay Richardson, executive director, Sturgis Area Community Foundation; Eric Hanna, president & CEO, Michigan Community Capital; Lori Mullins, managing director of community development incentives, Michigan Economic Development Corporation; Mike Harbaugh, vice president, Old National Bank and Jennifer Boezwinkle, chief strategy officer, Rockford Construction.
The shovel ceremony was followed by a reception at the Sturges-Young Center for the Arts where project partners and supporters gathered to hear project updates and thanks from Carmichael and local officials.
“As I look around us today, I see so many people who have invested their time and given their expertise and support to make this project a reality for Sturgis. Today’s event is to celebrate all of you – investors, supporters, Sturgis champions alike, thank you. The work that you have and continue to do to support this project is bringing this building to fruition and bolstering new opportunities to drive economic vitality for our community,” said John Carmichael, president of Root and Branch Real Estate.
A Watershed Moment for Sturgis’ Future and Growth
During the ceremony, The Watershed was unveiled as the future name of the apartment building at 108-114 W. Chicago Road. The name was selected because of its meaning – a turning point – as well as a nod to the critical ridges of land that connect Michigan’s waterways. “We want the building to be known as a vibrant and welcoming place people choose to live because they want to be part of a Sturgis renaissance,” said Carmichael.
Made Possible Through Collaborative Efforts by Local and Regional Partners
The mixed-use development is made possible through the support of the City of Sturgis, Sturgis Downtown Development Authority, Sturgis Improvement Association, the Sturgis Area Community Foundation, St. Joseph County, and the Michigan Strategic Fund, which invested $4.1 million in the project.
Grand Rapids-based Rockford Construction, which has been a vital partner on past Root and Branch construction projects, serves as the project architect and general contractor. Intersect Studio, based in nearby Kalamazoo, Michigan, is the interior designer.
Work will begin on the project site within the next couple of weeks and construction is expected to be complete in fall of 2023.
“We’re excited about a future that will see the downtown become a destination for locals and visitors alike. Working together, we can seed a vibrant future for our city, for our children, and for our children’s children. The Watershed is just the spark,” said Carmichael.
For more information on The Watershed and development updates, please visit rootandbranchrealestate.com.
Image Caption: Key stakeholders and local officials gathered to celebrate the construction kickoff of the mixed-use development at 108-114 W. Chicago Road. From left to right: Jeremy Gump, GT Independence; Mike Hughes, City of Sturgis; Lindsay Richardson, Sturgis Area Community Foundation; Dan Carmichael, Root and Branch Real Estate LLC; John Carmichael, Root and Branch Real Estate LLC; Eric Hanna, Michigan Community Capital; Mike Harbaugh, Old National Bank; Jennifer Boezwinkle, Rockford Construction; Lori Mullins, Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
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.