LANSING, Mich. (June 28, 2024) — This week, Senate Democrats successfully passed its second state budget under the historic Democratic trifecta. The Fiscal Year 2025 State Budget builds on last year’s transformative budget by continuing to invest in children and families, students and workers, public safety, community development, and more
Within the 2025 state budget, Sen. Sue Shink (D-Northfield Twp.) secured funding for the Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) to revitalize the historic Hayes Hotel in Jackson. This allocation will support the $40-million restoration project, transforming the 10-story building into 84 apartments and event, retail, and restaurant spaces.
“After years of efforts by the Jackson community to redevelop the vacant Hayes Hotel, I am excited to have secured $4.5 million in Michigan’s budget to support the transformation of this vacant building into housing and commercial space,” said Sen. Shink. “This investment will reinvigorate the Hayes Hotel from a vacant structure into a vibrant anchor in Jackson’s energetic downtown area. I appreciate the collaboration with Mayor Daniel Mahoney, the Jackson Chamber of Commerce, and Consumers Energy to achieve this victory for Jackson.”
“The Hayes Hotel redevelopment is the icing on the cake for the redevelopment of Jackson’s downtown,” said Jackson Mayor Daniel Mahoney. “This investment marks a significant milestone in our efforts to revitalize our community, preserve our rich heritage and stimulate economic growth. The Hayes Hotel was once a cornerstone of our community, and its redevelopment will bring new opportunities for residents and additional vibrancy to downtown. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the state for recognizing the importance of this project and investing in Jackson’s bright future.”
For 50 years, the 200-room hotel served as a social hub in Jackson, hosting numerous community events and welcoming visitors from out of town. However, since 2003, this downtown anchor has remained vacant.
“Over the past decade, significant resources have been invested in Downtown Jackson’s revitalization. This community enhancement grant sets the stage for the next phase of Jackson’s development by leveraging state dollars for this transformational project,” said Ryan Tarrant, president & CEO of the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and Experience Jackson. “Redeveloping the historic Hayes Hotel has been a community priority for many years, and the unique mix of proposed residential, retail, commercial and restaurant space as another anchor downtown is an opportunity to showcase the vibrant community and quality of life Jackson offers.”
Senate Democrats remain committed to building up communities by rejuvenating and reimagining state funding to bolster community infrastructure and improve the quality of life for Michigan residents. In the recently passed 2025 State Budget, Democrats prioritized addressing Michigan’s housing shortage and lowering high costs, with funds allocated for creating and refurbishing homes, making housing more affordable and accessible, while also increasing the overall housing stock in the state.