Merchants Capital announced more than $66.3 million in total financing for the new construction of Maple Block Flats, a 204-unit workforce housing project in Petoskey, Michigan, a growing vacation destination.
Merchants Capital provided a $29.6 million Freddie Mac Unfunded Non-LIHTC Forward permanent loan for the development, and its parent company, Merchants Bank, provided a $36.7 million construction loan.
Maple Block Flats is the first project in Michigan to receive Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA’s) Affordable Housing Tax Increment Financing (AHTIF), which accounts for $6 million of the $14 million in tax increment financing being granted for the development. More than $12 million was provided in state grants and loans, with strong support from Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC); the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE); the City of Petoskey; the Emmet County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority and numerous local businesses.
Maple Block Flats will feature seven garden-style apartment buildings with 18 studios, 72 one-bedroom units and 114 two-bedroom units. Fifty percent of the units will be restricted to residents who earn between 60% to 120% of the area median income (AMI). Ten percent of the total units will be income and rent restricted for those making less than 80% of the AMI.
Maple Block Flats is being developed by real estate development and private equity firm Great Lakes Capital, specialists in multifamily properties; including affordable housing, mixed income and market rate; medical office; general office and retail. The company has invested more than $1.9 billion in real estate projects throughout the Midwest and western United States.
Each unit at Maple Block Flats will contain a washer/dryer, solid surface countertops, efficient HVAC and vinyl plank flooring. In addition to the clubhouse, residents will also have access to pickleball courts, a pool, playground and dog park.
The development site spans 12.4 acres on the Bear River one mile from downtown Petoskey.
