By DUANE M. ELLING
The paint is dry, boxes are unpacked and the staff of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint (CFGF) is settling into its new office space on the second floor of the Community Foundation Building in downtown Flint.
The 15,000 square foot building, located at the southwest corner of S. Saginaw and W. First streets, has opened after an 20-month, $2.5-million renovation. The project included the unification of two existing structures into a single facility, as well as extensive work on the interior and the outside facade.
The renovation -- launched in September 2006 via a partnership by CFGF with Uptown Six LLC and Uptown Reinvestment Corporation -- is one of several development projects under way in and around downtown Flint with Mott Foundation support. Others include the mixed-use Wade-Trim and Rowe Incorporated buildings; the Berridge Place Lofts project; and a 310-bed student dormitory on the campus of the University of Michigan-Flint.
The success of the CFGF building renovation symbolizes the power of partnerships -- philanthropic, nonprofit, government and entrepreneurial individuals -- in creating local change, said Lawrence E. Moon, chair of the CFGF Board of Trustees, at the building's formal grand opening on June 17.
“Today, we are making history," Moon said. "The Community Foundation Building is a symbol of hope for a new, vibrant future for downtown Flint.”
The renovated building, in addition to housing CFGF offices on the second floor, offers commercial space at street level. The third floor has been adapted into two residential loft apartments. CFGF’s portion of the renovation costs became an asset in its investment portfolio, while a $1.3-million endowment grant from Mott will help CFGF offset any additional operating costs associated with the relocation.
Kathi Horton, CFGF president, said the new building will help the organization grow and strengthen its level of service to Flint and Genesee County.
She also believes that ongoing redevelopment in the downtown area will help energize and inspire local families and businesses.
“As these stories are shared, more people will sense the changing tide taking place in Flint and its vital connection to the well-being of surrounding communities. This new building is just the next story in that vibrant, exciting development.”
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