ST. JOSEPH, Mich. -- Harbor Shores Community Redevelopment has begun the next phase of the St. Joseph riverfront development.

This phase will include paving the way for new housing, a marina, and amenities.

The site will be known as Laurentide and will sit along Whitwam and Upton Drives.

Crews began tree removal Tuesday morning, with top-soil stripping and pavement removal set for Aug. 3 and infrastructure work to start at the end of August.

Officials say the site is part of the broader, two-phase,

The site is part of HSCR's broader, two-phase, $150 million investment along the riverfront, approved through a county brownfield plan.

The development is planned to add over 170 residential units, along with retail villas, restaurants, and marina, over the next several years.

The mixed housing plan includes 83 townhomes across four unit types, 27 courtyard homes, about 20 condominium units, 40 rental apartments, and 35 villas available for short- or long-term rental.

Officials say the townhomes will be reserved for families earning at or below 120 percent of the area median income for a 10-year period.

This initial development phase is supported by an estimated $20 million in infrastructure investment.

“This site has been vacant for years, and it’s incredibly exciting to finally see the beginning of what should be the crown jewel of Harbor Shores,” said Chris Cook, Managing Director of HSCR. “Laurentide will bring a vibrant, new community to St. Joseph, with a variety of housing types, great amenities and marina access along one of the most beautiful stretches of the St. Joseph River. This is the start of a new chapter our community has been looking forward to for a long time.”