For years economic distress, job loss and poverty have plagued Bay City leaving behind vacant lots like Uptown at River's Edge.
However, following an announcement Tuesday city leaders have hope for a new future.
"The new era of prosperity that's going to be commonplace in Bay City and the Great Lakes Bay Region," says Mayor Chris Shannon.
Dow Corning, Mclaren Bay Region and Chemical Bank plan to move into the old industrial site bringing jobs and big plans.
"If the developers wanted to be on that site they would not have chosen the site if they had not fallen in love with what we have in Bay City," says Mayor Shannon.
It's part of a redevelopment revolution in downtown Bay City.
Across the street from Uptown, a new gym opened almost a year ago.
Officials there are happy the abandoned site is getting a second chance and bringing more business and people to the city.
"It's really about bringing new life downtown to underdeveloped areas. Areas that need more beautification. I'm glad to be a part of that process" says the gym's C.E.O. Tammy Brinkman.
Engineering plans for the project are already underway.
