BATTLE CREEK, Mich. – Battle Creek Unlimited (BCU) is pleased to announce a $2 million state investment for the special use of revitalizing McCamly Plaza Hotel, which plans to reopen in 2022.
The Michigan Legislature this week passed the 2022 state budget, which included a one-time $2 million allocation to BCU. Funds will be used toward a $46MM renovation to convert the 239-room hotel into a Hilton DoubleTree. The property makeover will include a new restaurant, façade and entryway, refreshed lobby, conference rooms, gym and pool amenities, lounges, and other mixed-use spaces.
“A flagship hotel is integral to the continued redevelopment in downtown Battle Creek,” said Joe Sobieralski, president and CEO of BCU. “This project will accelerate the economic growth already afoot. We are grateful for support by Sen. Bizon and Rep. Hall and their recognition of this highly leveraged and transformative project in our community that wouldn’t be possible without contributions such as this and among many other community partners. This is just one critical piece of funding among many others.”
State Senator John Bizon, M.D., R-Battle Creek, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, is in his sixth year as a legislator, and has worked tirelessly to ensure continued prosperity and revitalization of the downtown Battle Creek business district. It is his pleasure to make the hotel project a priority at the state level.
“When Battle Creek’s downtown hotel closed and the promised plans for a revitalized hotel and conference center fell through, I, like many others in my hometown of Battle Creek, was left wondering how the downtown would survive. Then another layer of uncertainty hit when the state shutdown for months. This generous funding that State Rep. Hall and I were able to secure will have a long-lasting effect in Battle Creek’s city-center for decades to come.”
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has the final authority on approval of the 2022 state budget, which has an October 1 deadline. She could approve the line-item or veto it.
Plans for the new DoubleTree include a teaching-hotel component. BCU is planning to partner with universities, local educational institutions, and workforce partners to establish programs that introduce students and residents to the hospitality industry. The approach provides more career paths and opportunities for upward mobility within the Battle Creek community.
Rep. Matt Hall, R-Marshall, said he’s certain this funding will assist in attracting the business community and people to downtown Battle Creek again.
“This was a top priority for the Battle Creek community. Vibrant attractions and hospitality are needed to attract more people downtown and a top-notch hotel will help the community accomplish this,” Hall said.
Hall continued, “This project was identified as a need by our local economic development and community leaders, and I worked hard with Sen. Bizon to deliver for the people of Battle Creek and people across Calhoun County. I will continue to fight for measures that will help attract people and business to Battle Creek and the surrounding area.”
