Cornerstone Alliance Reflects on a Legacy of Investment in Benton Harbor
CORNERSTONE ALLIANCE REFLECTS ON A LEGACY OF INVESTMENT IN BENTON HARBOR FOLLOWING MAYOR'S STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS
Mayor's State of the City Address Highlights Years of Collaborative Growth and Community Progress
Benton Harbor Mayor Marcus Muhammad delivered his annual State of the City address on the evening of May 19 at The Inn at Harbor Shores. The address gathered residents, business leaders, and community stakeholders together to reflect on years of civic progress and an outlook of priorities for the city's future.
That progress has been shaped by a strong network of organizations, partners, and residents committed to Benton Harbor's long-term growth. As Berrien County's economic development organization, Cornerstone Alliance serves communities and businesses through initiatives in economic and community development, housing resources, and entrepreneurial services. Benton Harbor is an important part of that countywide work, and Cornerstone Alliance has been proud to maintain a sustained presence in the city, working alongside local stakeholders with a long-term commitment to building economic resilience and expanding equitable opportunity for all residents.
The themes of the evening speak to what Cornerstone Alliance has long believed: that sustained economic development engagement is essential to building thriving, resilient communities. Mayor Muhammad's address touched on priorities that align closely with the work Cornerstone Alliance has advanced across Benton Harbor and the broader region.
"Benton Harbor's progress is a testament to what sustained, collaborative effort can produce," said Marla Schneider, President & CEO of Cornerstone Alliance. "Our role is to be a consistent, reliable partner in building the conditions for businesses to grow, residents to succeed, and communities to thrive. We are encouraged by the momentum and remain focused on the work ahead."
Cornerstone Alliance has called downtown Benton Harbor home since its founding in 1987, and that commitment to place has shaped nearly four decades of economic development work across Michigan’s Great Southwest. As Mayor Muhammad's State of the City address reflects on progress made in recent years, Cornerstone Alliance is proud to have played a consistent role in that growth, driving meaningful investment and expanding opportunity for businesses, residents, and communities throughout the region.
Cornerstone Alliance has provided resources, one-on-one business counseling, and capital access support to business owners in Benton Harbor and across the county. And through community investment efforts, Cornerstone has contributed to place-based development that strengthens the city's commercial corridors and quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
Recent Projects in Benton Harbor
Among Cornerstone Alliance's recent projects in the city:
City Center Flats
Threatened with demolition, Cornerstone Alliance purchased the former Harbor Center Building, stabilized the structure and secured a development partner in Cressy Commercial Real Estate to save this building. City Center Flats now hosts 17 apartments, Keurig North America offices, and Verde Juice Box, bringing added vitality, residents, and tax base to Benton Harbor.
Arts District
With support from and coordination with partners, Cornerstone Alliance played a pivotal role in the revitalization of the Arts District, preserving and rehabilitating multiple buildings, coordinating a new streetscape and public space improvements, façade grants and more, setting the stage for continued investment.
Canal Commons
With support from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and Whirlpool Foundation, Cornerstone Alliance partnered with Harbor Shores Community Redevelopment to bring a world-class waterfront public plaza to Benton Harbor along the historic ship canal.
Housing
One of the four pillars of Cornerstone Alliance’s current strategic plan, housing has been an integral part of the portfolio for many years. Cornerstone Alliance has supported and led various housing projects across the community including Harbor Town and Hope VI projects.
Legacy of and ongoing Harbor Shores Development
Since project inception, Cornerstone Alliance has been a partner in the redevelopment of Harbor Shores. What was once hundreds of acres filled with blighted vacant buildings and contaminated land is now a world-class golf course and community spanning Benton Charter Township, the City of Benton Harbor, and the City of St. Joseph. Over $300 million in investment, hundreds of housing units and thousands of annual visitors, with more to come.
Rehabilitation of multiple downtown properties
For decades, Cornerstone Alliance has secured, saved, and rehabilitated buildings across the City of Benton Harbor, preserving community history, protecting tax base, and providing spaces for businesses and residents. This includes iconic properties like the Fidelity Building, the Benton Harbor State Bank building, F&M Bank, City Center Flats and more.
Corner at Wall Street
Cornerstone Alliance partnered with developer MHT Housing to bring the Corner at Wall Street to downtown Benton Harbor, adding 46 housing units and supportive services.
As Benton Harbor continues to grow, Cornerstone Alliance remains committed to delivering positive economic outcomes for the city and every community across Berrien County.
About Cornerstone Alliance
Cornerstone Alliance is the leading economic development organization dedicated to fostering growth and prosperity in Michigan’s Great Southwest. Through strategic initiatives and collaborative partnerships, Cornerstone Alliance drives innovation and opportunity, positioning the region for sustainable economic success. As the leading advocate for the local business and development sector, Cornerstone Alliance delivers tailored business assistance across Berrien County.
