LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Michael Webber and Rep. Mark Tisdel are highlighting $2 million in the new state budget to help support building renovations at the Rochester Community House.
“This funding will enable the city of Rochester to renovate and expand the Rochester Community House to make it more open, more accessible and available to more people in our community,” said Webber, R-Rochester Hills. “In addition to helping enhance the long-term useability of this community asset, this smart investment will save the city money by avoiding the need for the city to bond for these improvements.”
The city of Rochester applied for a Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) grant in 2023 to renovate the building to make it ADA accessible and modernize it, but the request was denied. Webber and Tisdel backed the city’s application with letters of support.
With the LEO grant application denied, Webber and Tisdel used the upcoming state budget to advocate for this community project.
“This renovation project is critical for ensuring that the Rochester Community House can continue to serve as a vital hub for our community,” said Tisdel, R-Rochester Hills. “The improvements will ensure the building remains low maintenance for decades. They will allow the Community House to expand its programming and services, fostering even greater community cohesion and enrichment for generations to come.”
The fiscal year 2025 budget was recently signed into law and includes a $2 million state grant to the city of Rochester, which owns the Rochester Community House, to replace the northern portion of the building with a much larger conference and gathering space. The grant would also add an improved lookout meeting room, a walk-out basement space with a second kitchen and new decking, siding and roof.
Rochester Community House is located in Rochester Municipal Park and is home for those seeking an outstanding destination where people come together for great experiences. As a nonprofit organization, the house has been home to hundreds of residents, dozens of charities, multiple classes, and thousands of private and public events.
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