Efforts underway to revitalize downtown Benton Harbor

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. -- The City of Benton Harbor had two reasons to celebrate Monday, holding a ribbon-cutting for a new outdoor fitness court, and launching the Benton Harbor Social District.

There's a lot more in the pipeline. As new homes come online, developers are looking to bring new business as well.

"We want to take an all-hands-on approach, but a holistic approach, where we look at the social infrastructure, we look at the physical infrastructure, we look at the economic, the government infrastructure, and wed them all together. That way, our improvement is balanced, and we leave nobody out," said Mayor Marcus Muhammad.

ABC57's Annie Kate met the owner of Clement Construction Monday. He said he's purchased a dozen buildings in Benton Harbor's Downtown and arts district, with a plan to stabilize all 12 for multi-use developments, inviting new business.

Also, the Benton Harbor Downtown Development Authority is making fresh calls to the community to reimagine the Benton Harbor State Theater.

At Harbor Shores Community Redevelopment, plans are underway to get 350 housing units online in the next 10 years.

Managing Director Chris Cook said Benton Harbor has a need for about 1000 housing units currently.

He said he is excited about the golf course as well, set to be complete in August.

Andrew Haan, senior vice president of community development and growth at Cornerstone Alliance said a lot is happening to revitalize Benton Harbor.

"[There are] three or four restaurants that are looking to open downtown, a lot of other interest from small businesses. The pipeline's great, there's a lot of activity, and we think Benton Harbor is going to continue to evolve and look different at every iteration," Haan said.