Turning a Long-Vacant, Blighted Property Into a New Downtown Anchor

Big changes are coming to the heart of downtown Port Sanilac! A long-vacant, blighted property in the Village of Port Sanilac is officially on its way to becoming a vibrant new mixed-use destination that will bring both housing and commercial activity back to the downtown core. The Port Sanilac Wellness and Lofts project will transform the empty site into a two-story, 17,560-square-foot building featuring ground-floor commercial space and seven modern apartments above.

Designed with community and accessibility in mind, the residential units will include a mix of one- and two-bedroom, ADA-compliant apartments, serving households earning between 80% and 120% of Area Median Income (AMI). Located in a walkable downtown setting, the development will help meet local housing needs while supporting year-round vitality in the village.

The project is being supported by a $1.5 million Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), helping offset redevelopment costs tied to the former mixed-use building on the site. Altogether, the development represents a total capital investment of $3,979,684.00

The Village of Port Sanilac has played a critical role in this process. As a participant in MEDC’s Redevelopment Ready Communities (RRC) program, the Village is supporting the project through the approval of a 20-year MSHDA Housing Tax Increment Financing (TIF) plan, estimated at $675,000.

Developer Julie Fagan of Fagan Investment, LLC brings more than 30 years of experience in real estate acquisition, development, and management to the project. Her portfolio includes a previously completed MSHDA-supported MI Neighborhood Project in Port Sanilac, underscoring her long-term commitment to the community. For this development, Fagan Investment, LLC has partnered with Revitalize, LLC as the project consultant.

“The Port Sanilac Wellness and Lofts project will transform a long-underutilized property into a vibrant, mixed-use destination that supports both community health and economic vitality,” said Fagan. “By combining wellness services with high-quality residential lofts, the project will activate the downtown, attract year-round residents and visitors, and contribute to the long-term resilience and placemaking efforts of Port Sanilac.”

Fagan also highlighted the importance of long-standing partnerships and perseverance through challenges, including delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This project would not be possible without the guidance and assistance of the MEDC… and especially the dedication of Mr. Charles Donaldson, who helped us nurture the idea from our very first meeting in 2019. Even after our COVID delay, Chuck stuck with us and our team. We are so grateful to you all.”

Local leaders see the project as a powerful step forward for both Port Sanilac and Sanilac County as a whole.

“This $1.5 million MEDC Revitalization and Placemaking grant is a major win for Port Sanilac and for Sanilac County,” said Samantha Schnettler, Executive Director of Sanilac County Economic Development. “It’s exactly the kind of project that supports full-time residents, builds local momentum, and expands opportunities in our communities. We are thankful to both the MEDC and Fagan Investments, LLC, for their forward-thinking investment and the powerful step forward it means for downtown revitalization in Sanilac County.”

Once complete, the Port Sanilac Wellness and Lofts project will stand as a new downtown anchor, replacing blight with opportunity, and helping ensure Port Sanilac remains a healthy, resilient, and welcoming community for years to come.