Flint, Michigan – The Charles Stewart Mott Foundation granted $4 million to Communities First, Inc. to purchase and redevelop the now-shuttered Baker College campus in Flint Township. The grant will help Communities First transform the campus into a mixed-use property that will provide space for social service organizations, businesses, vocational and technical training, and apartments for individuals and families.
“Thanks to Communities First’s vision and dedication to Flint and Genesee County, this vacant property will become an asset instead of a liability,” said Ridgway White, president and CEO of the Mott Foundation.
“The former Baker College campus has tremendous potential for providing enhanced social and educational services, as well as additional safe and affordable housing opportunities,” White added.
Located on West Bristol Road in Flint Township, the campus sits on over 40 acres. With more than 400,000 square feet of building space, the property includes two dormitories, multiple classroom and office buildings, and a library.
The property has been vacant since 2020, when Baker closed its Flint campus.
“This site represents an important investment in our community,” said Glenn Wilson, president and CEO of Communities First.
“We plan to locate resources and opportunities there that will empower people to reach their personal and professional goals,” Wilson added. “We are excited to reactivate the site to benefit the community and spur economic investment by collaborating with like-minded organizations. We appreciate the Mott Foundation for walking alongside us in this project to create lasting change.”
Communities First already has had conversations with potential partners who are interested in purchasing or leasing parts of the campus.
“Redevelopment of vacant buildings and community assets is extremely important to the revitalization of our county,” Wilson said. “This is another step in the right direction as we create an entirely new use for this amazing campus.”
