Riverbend at Capital

The Blue Light Redevelopment, now known as Riverbend at Capital, will transform a vacant former Kmart site into a vibrant, mixed- use community in Battle Creek, Michigan. This approximately $30.2 million project, developed by Edison Community Partners, includes 80 units of aﬀordable and workforce housing, as well as a multipurpose community center that will house an early childhood learning center and additional community services. As the ﬁrst phase of a broader redevelopment strategy, Riverbend at Capital aims to reconnect urban-core neighborhoods with downtown Battle Creek, enhancing both the local economy and quality of life.

Site Location and Features

Address: 10 Fountain Street, Battle Creek, MI 49037
Site Area: 9.98 Acres, adjacent to the Kalamazoo River and major employment hubs like Fort Custer Industrial Park
Design:
- Residential: A four-story building with eighty (80) 1-and 2-bedroom apartments;
- Community Center: Approximately 10,000 square-foot facility oﬀering early childhood education, community services, and resident amenity space.

It is anticipated that future phases of development will introduce additional mixed-income housing, retail, and small-scale commercial spaces, and enhanced public green spaces and amenities.

The project will pursue Enterprise Green Communities Plus standards, incorporating sustainable design elements, including solar carports and electric vehicle charging stations, as well as high-performance building materials to maximize energy efficiency. These features align with Michigan’s state goals for green development and support net-zero energy operations, providing benefits to project residents and the broader community.