Historic Lapeer Opera House wins $2.2M grant for mixed-use redevelopment

What’s happening: A multi-million-dollar redevelopment of the former Lapeer Opera House is moving forward after securing a $2.2 million Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

About the project: Led by developer Thomas LaMagna, the project will transform the largely vacant building into a vibrant mixed-use space. The rehabilitation plan includes creating 10 residential apartments, supporting four existing ground-floor storefronts, and establishing a third-floor commercial events venue. To support local housing needs, the apartments will be priced affordably for residents earning 50 to 60 percent of the Area Median Income. The upper-floor events venue aims to capitalize on downtown foot traffic and host gatherings tied to weddings at the neighboring historic Lapeer County Courthouse.

What they’re saying: “Bringing new life to Lapeer’s old Opera House is about more than redeveloping a building; it’s about preserving a piece of the community’s history while creating lasting benefits for the city and its residents,” says developer Thomas LaMagna.

“This is a tremendous investment in the future of Historic Downtown Lapeer while preserving an important piece of our community’s past,” adds James Alt, executive director of the Lapeer Main Street Downtown Development Authority. “The restoration of the historic Opera House will not only breathe new life into a landmark building but will also create a positive ripple effect throughout downtown.”

Project funding: The redevelopment is backed by a mix of state and local funding sources:

• MEDC RAP Grant: $2,200,000
• MSHDA CDBG Support: $700,000
• Lapeer Downtown Development Authority Tax Sharing Agreement: $240,910
• City of Lapeer Infrastructure Investment: $70,000 for water main upgrades

Historical note: Originally constructed in 1870, the landmark opera house stands as a foundational piece of local heritage. Notably, it served as the venue for a historic speech delivered by women’s rights pioneer Susan B. Anthony in 1879.