(CBS DETROIT) – The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy awarded a $1 million grant to help transform the former Fisher Body Plant 21 in Detroit into housing.
On Thursday, EGLE said the $1 million Brownfield Redevelopment Grant would cover investigation, transportation and removal of contaminated soil. The investment would also support the cleanup of a leaking underground storage tank and install a vapor control system, according to a news release.
The $153 million project includes 433 residential units and 45,000 square feet of first-floor commercial space.
“We are thrilled that EGLE is providing a significant grant to assist in the redevelopment of this historic, highly visible and highly challenging site,” said Brian Vosburg, senior director of Brownfield Redevelopment at the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, in a statement . “EGLE has long been a critical partner for the city in cleaning up and redeveloping many of Detroit’s most environmentally threatened properties.”
The city of Detroit announced in 2022 that the historic factory would be redeveloped into a mixed-use residential complex, including affordable housing and retail space.
The 105-year-old Fisher Body factory was built in 1919 and was used by General Motors until 1984. Later the factory was used by a paint company until it was abandoned in 1993. In 2000, the factory was acquired by the city of Detroit.
EGLE found asbestos-containing materials and lead paint at the plant and removed the underground storage tank in 2010. In 2008, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency removed soil and equipment contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls.
The redevelopment is expected to be completed in the summer of 2026.
