The city of Bridgman is hoping to help revitalize a vacant building downtown.

The two-story, mixed-use building at 9735 Red Arrow Highway previously housed the Olympus Restaurant and the Early Bird Eatery. Since the Early Bird left town back during COVID, the structure has been empty.

Bridgman City Manager Juan Ganum tells us the property’s owner wants to develop four apartments in the building, one on the first floor and three upstairs. To support the effort, the city council has sent a letter to the Michigan State Housing Development Authority stating its intent to apply for a $400,000 grant under the MI Neighborhood CDBG Funds program. Ganum says the grant would help the property owner with construction costs.

“That’s what we’re interested in doing, is encouraging the development of housing, which I believe we all know is a tremendous need in Southwest Michigan,” Ganum said.

Meanwhile, the Greater Bridgman Area Chamber and Growth Alliance is working with the property owner not only on the apartment project, but also to find new tenants for the commercial space. CGA Director Nancy Kiernan tells us it’s still set up for a restaurant, and they do have an interested party.

“We need more sit down here for sure,” Kiernan said. “And this building, with a little bit of love and care, can be brought back and be a very vital part of our community. That’s what we’re helping to get done.”

Ganum says with the letter of intent from the city now sent, the next step is for MSHDA to determine if it meets the requirements of the MI Neighborhood program. If so, the state will invite the city to formally apply for the grant.

The deadline for the city to formally apply for the grant is in September.