New Mill Capital Holdings to donate land to BCU after demolition.
April 23, 2024
BATTLE CREEK, Mich. – New Mill Capital Holdings and Battle Creek Unlimited (BCU) have partnered together, as part of the ongoing River Naturalization project, to demolish the 350,000 square foot former Graphic Packaging International (GPI) facility. Work has been underway on the interior for months and major demolition work is set to begin within weeks. Upon completion of the demolition, New Mill Capital Holdings will donate the land to support the overall river naturalization and redevelopment plan.
The GPI facility officially shuttered its doors in August of 2022 and is located on the banks of the Kalamazoo River at 79 E. Fountain Street. The demolition, projected to be completed over 10-month period, will include the removal of the parking lots between the former Ralston/Treehouse facility and GPI. New Mill Capital Holdings previously donated the Treehouse facility to BCU, which spans 450,000 square feet, to support the same river naturalization and development project.
“New Mill Capital Holdings is proud to partner with the Battle Creek Community and BCU on this monumental redevelopment effort. We believe we have created a win win for everyone involved and although the full-on naturalization/redevelopment may be years out, we are excited to see the naturalization project come to fruition,” Greg Schain, Principal New Mill Capital Holdings.
Prior to this project BCU controlled nearly 40 acres along the river, all of which will be a part of the overall river naturalization and redevelopment of the area; increasing Battle Creek’s vibrancy and serving as a hub for the greater community. In 2022 BCU secured $13 million dollars from the state budget for activities associated with beginning the process to naturalize the river and additional grant dollars are being pursued as the project evolves. The 4,000 ft aging concrete channel, placed as a flood control measure in the late 1950s, has exceeded its lifespan; bringing the opportunity for an environmental and community asset to be developed.
Joe Sobieralski, President & CEO of Battle Creek Unlimited (BCU) stated, “Partnering with New Mill Capital Holdings on these donations have given us a leg up and has shaved years off the process to naturalize the river. It has also allowed us to stretch the $13 million dollar grant from the state and make those dollars go further. We are grateful for their partnership and understanding of Battle Creek’s vision to redevelop this area.”
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ABOUT BATTLE CREEK UNLIMITED
Established in 1972, Battle Creek Unlimited (BCU) is a private, non-profit corporation which serves as the economic development arm for the City of Battle Creek and manages the Fort Custer Industrial Park. The Fort Custer Industrial Park is home to over 80 businesses, including 25 international companies, and employs over 13,000 people. BCU’s mission is to build a strong community by driving strategic investment and job creation. Visit BCUnlimited.org for more info.
MEDIA CONTACT
| Joe Sobieralski, President & CEO
Battle Creek Unlimited 269-962-7526 |
