117 S. Broadway Cassopolis Apartments

About the Project

The 117 S. Broadway project is a major reinvestment in downtown Cassopolis, converting a long-vacant public building into housing and future commercial space. The building has been largely unused for years, with upper floors vacant since 2020 and street-level spaces unoccupied since 2015 .

Located at the Village’s central intersection, the property offers a unique opportunity to support both housing and economic activity in the downtown core. Prior studies, including a facilities assessment and second-floor housing study, identified the building’s strong potential for adaptive reuse despite ongoing deterioration from extended vacancy.

Construction on the building began in late 2025 and is expected to be complete by July 31, 2026.

A Message from the State Land Bank Authority

After a private redevelopment effort for the former Cassopolis Village Hall stalled, the Cass County Land Bank Authority acquired the property and launched a mixed-use rehabilitation project that will create new commercial space, housing and potentially attainable workforce housing opportunities in downtown Cassopolis. To support this community revitalization effort, the State Land Bank Authority (SLBA) awarded a nearly $3 million grant through its Blight Elimination Program using federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The investment helped fund both the acquisition and rehabilitation of the historic building, advancing a project that will return a long-vacant property to productive use and contribute to the Village's economic growth.

“We value the strong partnership we have with the Cass County Land Bank and are proud to support this transformative project,” said Joseph Rivet, executive director of the State Land Bank Authority. “By helping return this prominent property to productive use, creating new housing and commercial opportunities, and placing the building back on the tax roll, this project reflects our broader mission of working with local land banks to revitalize communities, strengthen local tax bases and put formerly underutilized properties back to work for Michigan residents.”

Funding and Investment

The project is supported through a combination of state and local funding sources aimed at revitalizing blighted properties and strengthening communities:

• State Land Bank Blight Elimination Program: $2,482,950 + $250,000
• Cassopolis Main Street Façade Grant (RAP): $500,000

These funds supported both the acquisition of the building and its ongoing rehabilitation. The property is now owned by the Cass County Land Bank Authority.

At the time of acquisition, the building had an assessed fair market value of $916,570 and was listed for $725,000, reflecting both its location and the need for reinvestment.

Apartment Information

• Residential Units: 7 total
  • 5 one-bedroom units
  • 2 two-bedroom units with balconies
• Amenities:
  • In-unit washer and dryer
  • New windows and insulation
  • Fully sprinklered building

The main floor and basement have been cleaned out.  The CCLBA is still exploring options for the best use of the space.

Leasing Information

The Cass County Land Bank Authority appreciates the significant interest in the residential units currently under development at 117 S. Broadway in downtown Cassopolis.

At this time, the project remains under development, and the CCLBA is in the process of finalizing key components necessary for leasing. Over the coming months, this work will include:

• Development of the rental application process
• Finalization of lease agreements and policies
• Establishment of income eligibility and verification procedures (units will serve households at or below 80% AMI) 
• Coordination of property management operations
• Implementation of a fair, transparent, and compliant tenant selection process

Due to the high level of public interest, the CCLBA is committed to ensuring that all prospective tenants are treated equitably and that the selection process is conducted in a consistent and transparent manner.

At this time, applications are not being accepted, and the CCLBA is not maintaining a waiting list.

Information regarding application procedures, eligibility requirements, and timelines will be made publicly available once finalized.

For additional information, please contact:
Hope Anderson
Chair, Cass County Land Bank Authority