MT. CLEMENS, Mich. (July 30, 2024) — Today, Sen. Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores) and Rep. Denise Mentzer (D-Mt. Clemens) joined local leaders to witness the demolition of the old Mount Clemens Victory Inn where construction of a housing project is set to begin following clean up. This transformational project was made possible by a $10 million total investment Sen. Hertel and Rep. Mentzer secured in the state budgets for Fiscal Years 2024 and 2025.
“Today, we are putting past challenges behind us and breaking ground on a new, exciting future for the Mount Clemens community,” said Sen. Hertel. “This transformational project not only erases a blemish from the city’s landscape, but it also creatively and resourcefully utilizes the space to combat our housing crisis. By constructing a new apartment building in the heart of our county, we’ll be able to attract younger generations and help them make Macomb their home.”
The building, located at the intersection of North River Road and North Gratiot Avenue, has sat vacant since a 2020 fire caused heavy smoke damage to the structure. Its demolition is the first step towards constructing a new housing complex with 100 available apartments, featuring a mix of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units. Approximately 20% of the units will have a rent that is 80% of adjusted median income, with rent for the remaining units planned to be set at the full market rate.
“Today is a pivotal moment for the city of Mount Clemens,” said Rep. Mentzer. “The demolition of the old Victory Inn marks a new chapter for our city, one that prioritizes affordable housing and community growth. This project is more than just demolishing an old building — it’s about investing in the future of Mount Clemens and ensuring that everyone has a place to call home.”
Currently, affordable housing is in too short supply across Michigan, with high interest rates and home prices creating challenging conditions for both buyers and sellers. Many Michigan renters face challenges finding affordable housing, too, with over half spending more than 30% of their household income on housing expenses. Due to the high cost of rent, families often have to forgo food, healthcare or other necessities to avoid eviction. As Michigan looks to address the housing crisis, this project is set to be transformational not only for the state but also the city of Mount Clemens, helping to increase the local housing stock while attracting new residents to the county’s seat.
“As we look to invite more young people and young families to Macomb County, we must make investments in the types of housing they’re looking for,” said Mount Clemens Mayor Laura Kropp. “We are seeing younger generations opting to settle in walkable, semi-urban communities where they have places to go and things to do within a compact radius. With this project, we are building upon our city’s unique design to provide these options for folks and secure a brighter future for Mount Clemens.”
This project also builds on a series of investments Sen. Hertel and Rep. Mentzer secured for the city of Mount Clemens. In the Fiscal Year 2025 State Budget, the two legislators obtained a total of $8.5 million for the community, including:
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$2 million for a riverfront revitalization project that will create vibrant, attractive spaces and help boost economic development; and
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$1.5 million for Mount Clemens to make much-needed updates to their aging sewage treatment infrastructure.
Sen. Kevin Hertel and Rep. Densie Mentzer celebrate the groundbreaking of a transformational project for the city of Mount Clemens. Photo credit: Megan Dombrowski, Michigan Senate Democrats
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