State OKs financial support for Albion hotel project

ALBION – State funding has been approved for a planned boutique hotel and conference center in downtown Albion.

The Michigan Economic Development Corp.’s Michigan Strategic Fund approved a $1 million performance-based grant for the $8.4 million project, which is expected to create 20 jobs.

In a news release Tuesday, MEDC said the 72-room hotel will be four stories and will redevelop 1.25 acres of property at the corner of Superior and Porter streets. There will be a mix of standard rooms and extended-stay suites.

The project, led by Saginaw-based SSP Associates, also is set to receive $963,146 from the Albion Brownfield Redevelopment Authority for demolition and site preparation.

Albion College will provide a $4 million loan, according to MEDC.

Albion city councilmembers in December approved a brownfield plan for the project.

You can watch MEDC's video about Albion here:

Contact Jennifer Bowman at 269-966-0589 or jbowman@battlecreekenquirer.com. Follow her on Twitter: @jenn_bowman