Nonessential construction projects in Michigan have come to a grinding halt due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Under Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's emergency declaration, some forms of construction are allowed, such as those that improve public health, roads, bridges or telecommunications, according to the Times Herald.
The Cadillac House expansion project in the village of Lexington does not qualify as an essential project, so construction is now on hold.
Stacy Fox, principal of Detroit-based Roxbury Group, which owns the Cadillac House, said she does not know when the expansion will resume.
It all depends on how long the COVID-19 pandemic impacts the state and how long the governor's "Stay Home, Stay Safe" order lasts.
“We’ll move forward with these plans as soon as we can,” Fox told the Times Herald.
A site plan for the $3.5 million renovation of the Cadillac House was approved by the village in January. The approved renovation includes the addition of 11 guestrooms, adding a second level to the building, removing the existing roof and converting a nearby consignment shop to an event space.
The Roxbury Group received a letter of interest for state funding, which means the expansion project should resume quickly when the emergency declaration is lifted, Fox told the Times Herald.
The village of Lexington has already approved a $10,000 local grant to assist with the expansion project. The company still needs final approval for state funding, which they believe will not be delayed by the pandemic.
Holly Tatman, Lexington village manager, said the Cadillac House expansion is important to the local community. “We are very excited for that renovation to take place since it will greatly beautify the corridor coming into the village and offer the community a great meeting space to rent for large group events,” Tatman told the Times Herald.
Tatman said construction delays are happening all over the village, and businesses deemed nonessential have all been shut down.
If this becomes the new normal, it will have a negative impact on the local economy, Tatman believes.
“The businesses in Lexington make their money during the summer months, and it will be catastrophic for them if they can't operate normally during those months to bring in that revenue," Tatman told the Times Herald.
Delays in commercial development could have a ripple effect in the community that will last for months to come if the governor's emergency declaration lasts much longer.
Alerts Sign-up