Community Headlines

Communities First, Inc. receives Consumers Energy Foundation Grant

Local nonprofit receives $50,000 grant to support development of Foodie Commons @ the Flowershop

Flint, MI – Communities First, Inc. has received a $50,000 grant from the Consumers Energy Foundation to support its adaptive re-use project — Foodie Commons @ the Flowershop. This place-making initiative will turn a formerly vacant flower shop and underutilized lot into a thriving community destination. Focusing on food, music and fun, Foodie Commons @ the Flowershop will offer a food truck park, indoor and outdoor event spaces as well as an open green space with covered seating.

“The Consumers Energy Foundation wants to ensure our friends and neighbors have safe, accessible spaces to come together, support local businesses, and celebrate their community,” said Carolyn Bloodworth, secretary/treasurer of the Consumers Energy Foundation. “We are excited to be part of this neighborhood-driven effort to revitalize this area and build a sustainable and engaging community hub.”

With these funds, the vacant multi-level building will become a community event space with additional features like a commercial and/or ghost kitchen, coffee bar, entertainment space and private offices for local businesses. Physical improvements will be completed, such as plumbing upgrades, as well as efforts to ensure the facility is fully accessible. Funds will also be used to ensure the sustainability of the facility, with efforts like roof improvements, and make the site welcoming, with amenities like indoor seating and ambient lighting. The redevelopment of the nearly 4,200 square foot building presents a significant investment opportunity in Flint’s Grand Traverse Neighborhood.

 

“Food truck parks and placemaking initiatives are in every major city so we thought why not Flint,” said Glenn Wilson, President/CEO of Communities First.

“This project pairs our extensive real estate development experience with our proven community programming and our small business supports system,” Wilson added. “We look forward to using this grant to bring all of these elements together.”

The project is intended to foster the local economy, improve equitable food access, enhance neighborhood walkability, connect small businesses to key resources and create new opportunities for neighborhood residents to form meaningful relationships. Along with reducing blight, the renovations scheduled at Foodie Commons strive to encourage connection, offer opportunities for small businesses and promote healthy cities

About Communities First, Inc.

Communities First, Inc. is a nonprofit Community Development Corporation. Headquartered in Flint, CFI serves over 35,000 community members across Michigan and Indiana. CFI’s mission is to build healthy, vibrant communities through economic development, affordable housing, and innovative programming. More information about Communities First, Inc. can be found at www.communitiesfirstinc.org.

About the Consumers Energy Foundation

The Consumers Energy Foundation is the charitable arm of Consumers Energy, Michigan’s largest energy provider. The Foundation enables communities to thrive and grow by investing in what’s most important to Michigan – its people, our planet and Michigan’s prosperity. In 2021, the Consumers Energy Foundation, Consumers Energy, its employees and retirees contributed more than $17.5 million to Michigan nonprofits. For more information, visit ConsumersEnergy.com/foundation.

 

Related posts

Census 2020 Information

Tanya

Faster Than Light

Tanya

Fatal shooting occurs in Flint Wednesday

Tanya

Leave a Comment

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More