The Community Foundation for Muskegon County Receives $25,000 Grant from Consumers Energy Foundation to Support Historic Restoration Project

Business News, Community News |Oct 31, 2023|4 min read
Muskegon, MI – Greater Muskegon Economic Development authored a grant on behalf of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County to receive funding for a key demolition and repair project in downtown Muskegon. Both organizations are thrilled to announce today, a generous grant of $25,000 from the Consumers Energy Foundation to advance the restoration efforts of the historic Torrent House and the demolition of the former Community Service Building in downtown Muskegon.

The Consumers Energy Foundation, the charitable arm of Consumers Energy, Michigan’s largest energy provider, is committed to strengthening Michigan communities by investing in people, the planet, and the state’s prosperity. In 2022, the Consumers Energy Foundation, along with Consumers Energy, its employees, and retirees, contributed more than $18.5 million to Michigan nonprofits.

“Placemaking is an important component of building community and bringing people together,” said Cathy Wilson, secretary/treasurer of the Consumers Energy Foundation. “The work the Community Foundation is doing to create a vibrant and thriving downtown Muskegon will support neighborhood and business growth, and we are proud to provide grant funding to support that vision.”

The grant will be distributed by the Community Foundation for Muskegon County to the Downtown Muskegon Development Corporation (DMDC) to help facilitate the demolition of the former Community Service Building and the restoration of the exterior of the Torrent House. The historic Torrent House, located at the corner of Webster Avenue and Third Street, is a cornerstone of Muskegon’s rich history, and its restoration aims to recapture its original grandeur and beauty.

“We are grateful to Greater Muskegon Economic Development for assisting our community with necessary applications to secure funding for redevelopment projects,” said Todd Jacobs, President/CEO of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. “Our organization works as a natural partner with other non-profits to receive and distribute grant dollars that benefit the greater Muskegon area.”

The restoration project represents a significant step forward in revitalizing downtown Muskegon and creating a vibrant community space for residents and visitors alike. The Community Foundation for Muskegon County and the Downtown Muskegon Development Corporation (DMDC) invite the public to witness the progress of this restoration at the corner of Webster Avenue and Third Street.

“We are appreciative for the $25,000 grant from the Consumers Energy Foundation to help fund the demolition of the former Community Service Building, as well as assisting in the restoration of the exterior of the Torrent House,” said Steve Olsen, a member of the DMDC.

“We are grateful to the Consumers Energy Foundation for their commitment to communities and the preservation of our historic resources. We are thrilled that the Torrent House is being restored to its former glory in downtown Muskegon.”

 

About Greater Muskegon Economic Development

Greater Muskegon Economic Development (GMED) was founded in 1999 and is the countywide economic development agency dedicated to supporting local business. GMED’s focus is to leverage public and private investment to accelerate business growth and the creation of high-quality employment opportunities in Muskegon County. Appreciating the importance of our local business community, GMED serves as a clearinghouse of information on programs and incentives available to your business. Learn more at https://www.developmuskegon.org/.

About Community Foundation for Muskegon County

The Community Foundation, established in 1961, collaborates with donors, grantees, advisors and individuals to identify issues that are important to our communities. By bringing people together around a common mission and creating links between resources, we aim to “build a vibrant community for all.” Strategic efforts focus in the areas of lifelong literacy, local business development and growth, and lifting up local residents to achieve their potential while building a community of trust where all voices are valued. https://muskegonfoundation.org/

About Consumers Energy Foundation

The Consumers Energy Foundation is the charitable arm of Consumers Energy, Michigan’s largest energy provider. The Foundation contributes to the growth and strengthening of Michigan communities by investing in what’s most important — our people, our planet and Michigan’s prosperity. In 2022, the Consumers Energy Foundation, Consumers Energy, its employees and retirees contributed more than $18.5 million to Michigan nonprofits.

 

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