Michigan Land Bank Fast Track Authority starts demolition on former window factory, bringing community vision to life

LENNON, Mich. – From blight to beauty, today kicks off the first step in transforming the long-blighted former window factory in the Village of Lennon. This collaborative effort between Michigan Land Bank Fast Track Authority and local officials offers tremendous value and promise to the property and community.

“We work with communities - of all sizes - to make their property goals a reality,” Michigan Land Bank Director Josh Burgett. “This Project has been a collaboration from the start and the work we’re doing today couldn’t have happened without the volunteers and partners at the Village of Lennon. We’re excited to see what the future holds for this property and the entire community and this is the first step in a brighter future for all.”

Leaders said this has been a long time in the works and they are excited to eliminate the blight and get to work in bringing value back to the property and community.

“The planning commission and council worked closely with the Land Bank, which did a phenomenal job of taking the steps needed to ensure the future of this project coincides with the expectations of Lennon residents,” Village Treasurer Larry Widigan said. “And of course, none of this would have been possible without the Village of Lennon Volunteers’ generous donation of the funds needed for the Land Bank to acquire the final parcel and go forward with the project."

Demolition work will be performed by E.T. MacKenzie Company and is expected to last about one week. The ongoing partnership with village leaders will continue as they discuss redevelopment and how the Land Bank can help their vision become reality.

Michigan Land Bank has demolished 3,362 blighted structures since 2010. To learn more about their efforts to improve communities across the state, visit www.michigan.gov/LandBank.

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