A Vacant Downtown Montrose Building Will Get 5 Apartments. The State Is Putting In $944,000.

By Carrie Thompson, Strategic Marketing Real Estate Agent, eXp Realty, Grand Blanc, MI

A vacant building in downtown Montrose, the small city in northwest Genesee County, will be converted into five new apartments and approximately 2,560 square feet of commercial space with help from a $944,000 state Revitalization and Placemaking grant, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's office and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced on February 12, 2026 (Michigan Economic Development Corporation, February 12, 2026).

The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $2,080,916 (Michigan Economic Development Corporation, February 12, 2026).

The developer is Ramby, LLC

The developer is Dean Yeotis of Ramby, LLC. "Ramby, LLC will offer high-quality, affordable housing along with two good-sized commercial spaces in a prime downtown Montrose location," Yeotis said in the state's announcement (Michigan Economic Development Corporation, February 12, 2026).

He told WNEM, "We believe this project will serve as a very special place for the community while building momentum in downtown Montrose." He also thanked "Revitalize, LLC, and the leadership of various Montrose officials" (WNEM, February 12, 2026). Yeotis is working with Revitalize, LLC and Triterra Environmental Consultants (WDIV ClickOnDetroit, February 13, 2026).

The public announcements did not give the building's street address. ABC12 described it as a vacant building in the city's downtown business district (ABC12, February 12, 2026).

Two sources give slightly different square footage

The state's release puts the commercial space at approximately 2,560 square feet (Michigan Economic Development Corporation, February 12, 2026). ABC12 reported "about 2,650 square feet of commercial space for two small businesses" (ABC12, February 12, 2026). Both agree on five apartments, two commercial spaces and the $944,000 grant. The headline above uses only the figures both agree on.

City and regional officials called it a partnership

Joe Karlichek, identified as Montrose city manager in the February coverage, said in the state release: "We are tremendously grateful and thrilled to have such investment in the city of Montrose. This project will help to create jobs, address and improve housing affordability, and improve the quality of life for our citizens" (Michigan Economic Development Corporation, February 12, 2026).

Tyler Rossmaessler, executive director of the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance, said, "This project is a great example of state and local partnership being put to use in impactful ways. The project will not only be a point of pride for our community, but also add to our local housing stock" (Michigan Economic Development Corporation, February 12, 2026).

The Montrose grant was announced alongside a Flint project, and the state said the two together will generate more than $2.9 million in capital investment (Michigan Economic Development Corporation, February 12, 2026).

A resident wants the vacant buildings filled

ABC12 talked with a Montrose resident about the project. "There's so many vacant buildings here, and not a lot of businesses that are coming in," she said. "I would like to see businesses go into the existing buildings that are vacant rather than see businesses being built in other places" (ABC12).

Montrose has a new city manager and smaller downtown items on the agenda

Montrose's leadership has changed since the grant was announced. The city's website now reads, "CITY HIRES NEW CITY MANAGER! Welcome Steve Montle!" The city is also advertising for a building official and a city attorney (City of Montrose website).

Smaller downtown items keep moving through the council. The agenda for the September 22, 2026 council meeting at the city office, 139 S. Saginaw Street, listed $5,000 from the Downtown Development Authority budget for repairs to the ramp and railing at the Montrose Historical Telephone Museum, $1,500 from the DDA budget for holiday event advertising including the Candlewalk, and up to $4,000 for sidewalk repair at 105 E. State Street (City of Montrose council agenda, September 22, 2026). Those were agenda items for a vote. I could not find posted minutes confirming how the council acted on them as of this writing.

No construction start date or opening date for the apartment and commercial project appeared in the announcements I reviewed.

What this means if you are buying or selling in Montrose

Five apartments and two storefronts in one building is a small number, but in a downtown with vacant buildings it is the kind of project people notice. If you are buying in or near downtown Montrose, ask the city office which building is under redevelopment and what the timeline is, since the public announcements did not name the address. If you are selling, keep an eye on council and DDA agendas so you can speak to what is changing downtown when buyers ask.

Every listing I take gets professional photos and video, room sizes, targeted digital ads, and targeted buyer avatars. Call or text Carrie Thompson at (810) 893-3269.

About Carrie Thompson

Carrie Thompson, "Your Favorite Property Girl," is a Strategic Marketing Real Estate Agent (REALTOR®) with eXp Realty serving Grand Blanc, Genesee County and nearby Michigan communities, including Montrose, Clio, Flushing, Flint Township, and Mundy Township. Michigan license 6501338662. Call or text (810) 893-3269.