CADILLAC — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joined local leaders and developers Friday morning to break ground on a new workforce housing development that helps to address one of northern Michigan’s most pressing challenges — housing.
The Lakelynn Apartments project, led by West Michigan-based KMF Construction, is expected to bring roughly 252 housing units across seven buildings on more than 11 acres within walking distance of downtown Cadillac.
“I am so happy to be here with all of you to celebrate something here in northern Michigan,” Whitmer said during the ceremony. “I’ve been working through a lot of crises going on up here, but having a moment to celebrate some great work that is happening that is so important for our economy, for the quality of life, for our people, for our future in Michigan, is really a fantastic thing.”
The development is designed as a residential community aimed at workforce housing, with plans that include ADA-accessible units, pedestrian-friendly layouts, and amenities such as a walking trail and dog park once all phases are complete. The site will also preserve open space for public recreation, blending housing with outdoor access, which is a key feature developers say reflects the Cadillac area’s character.
Whitmer emphasized the broader significance of the project, calling housing affordability a statewide and national issue.
“We’re focused on building housing everywhere, because it’s a top concern for Michiganders,” she said, noting rising construction costs and limited availability have made it harder for residents, especially first-time buyers, to find homes.
The state supported the project through multiple programs, including a $1.5 million award from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority’s MI Neighborhood Program, along with brownfield redevelopment incentives. Local officials also backed the effort through a Brownfield Tax Increment Financing plan.
KMF Construction owner Kyle Friar said the project stems from strong demand identified during early feasibility studies.
“There’s actually a lot of industry up here in Cadillac, and a ton of jobs,” Friar said. “There’s a lot of employers that were saying that, you know, they can’t find enough good help. They can’t grow without more housing.”
The first phase of construction will include 36 units in a three-story building. Friar said site work is already underway, with vertical construction expected to begin within the next month and take about six months to complete. Future phases will depend on how quickly the initial units are filled. Friar added that state and local support were critical to making the development financially viable.
“We want it to be a community that people like and they want to stay,” Friar said.
Whitmer, who noted this is her final year in office, said she hopes to see continued progress on housing initiatives across the state and even joked about returning someday to visit the site’s future amenities.
“This is my last year as governor. I’m hoping whomever succeeds me will be here announcing something with all of you next year, and I’ll be able to take my dogs Kevin and Doug to the dog park, perhaps once that gets done,” she said.
• Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joined local leaders to break ground on the Lakelynn Apartments in Cadillac, a 252-unit workforce housing development backed by state funding and aimed at addressing housing shortages and supporting local economic growth.