FLINT -- It’s modern, its state of the art, and now city officials say the ROWE building project puts the City of Flint back on the map.
“Today we celebrate the dedication of the ROWE building which truly was a cornerstone and catalysts for the downtown revitalization effort,” said CEO of Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce, Tim Herman.
Downtown Flint is making a comeback with the completion of the $ 22.7 million project. The 83,000-square- foot building sits in the heart of the downtown business district and is home to 8 loft styled apartments and new businesses.
City officials say this new project will help revitalize the city. "You’ll see for a moment the future of this community, we are looking past the boarded up windows and the boarded up sidewalks and the neighborhoods that need repairs too,” said Mayor Dayne Walling.
The project began in 2005 when ROWE professional services company signed a 10 year lease and committed to moving to downtown Flint. A partial collapse of the building in 2007 set renovations back for years, but even against all odds, the revitalization continued.
"This project, like the community never gives up, never quits, and some how always seems to advance, even in its darkest hour,” said Managing Member for Uptown Development, Phil Shaltz.
Now the ROWE building stands as a symbol of growth for the city.
"This is a great day, certainly one that we can take pride in and appreciate, we're moving forward and when you see the inside of this building, you'll know that we are moving forward with class, and a great sense of style right here in flint," said Walling.
