Midland's Cleveland Manor renovation funding gets local support

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Cleveland Manor I provides 105 apartments to older adults living on a low income. Built in1968, it was the first affordable housing option for Midland County's senior citizens.

The Cleveland Manor I renovation project includes improvements designed to enhance the quality of life enjoyed by residents, including walk-in showers and upgraded water heaters.

Cleveland Manor I renovation project is expected to be completed later this summer.

Cleveland Manor I renovation project includes replacement of deteriorating cast iron plumbing in the walls and beneath the ground, electrical system upgrade and new cabinetry through a partnership with Midland's own Case Systems.

As the renovation of Cleveland Manor I nears completion, local foundations have provided a boost to the project's funding.

Late last year, the Charles J. Strosacker Foundation surprised Cleveland Manor with more than $500,000 in additional funding, nearly doubling the foundation's original commitment. The Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation followed suit earlier this year, providing an additional $200,000. Both organizations now join the Herbert H. & Grace A. Dow Foundation as million-dollar donors to the project.

"We can't say enough about how thankful we are for the generosity of our local foundations," executive director of Cleveland Manor, Trudy Laufer said. "It shows Midland truly cares about the housing needs of older adults in our community."

The renovation of Cleveland Manor I is needed to replace deteriorating cast iron plumbing in the walls and beneath the ground, and to upgrade the electrical system. The project also includes improvements designed to enhance the quality of life enjoyed by residents, including walk-in showers and upgraded water heaters, as well as new cabinetry through a partnership with Midland's own Case Systems. Contractors managed by Three Rivers Corporation are expected to finish the renovation later this summer.

"Affordable, sustainable housing is critical for our community," Kim Baczewski, president and CEO of the Strosacker Foundation said. "The Strosacker Foundation is honored to be a part of this important project. Thank you to Trudy and her team for their work and dedication."

Lisa Gerstacker, president and CEO of the Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation, and Bill Schuette, executive vice-president and assistant treasurer of the Foundation, stated, "The Gerstacker Foundation has a wonderful and long history of investment in Cleveland Manor. Quality and affordable housing is fundamental to Midland's future. We are delighted to be a part of this outstanding community project."

The project is budgeted at $4.4 million, and funding now exceeds $4 million. Alongside the major donors, significant contributions have been made by the Harry A. & Margaret D. Towsley Foundation, the Midland Area Community Foundation, the Consumers Energy Foundation, the Dow Company Foundation, the Alden & Vada Dow Family Foundations and Cleveland Manor Inc.

Community members interested in donating to the project can do so at clevelandmanor.org/donate.