Washington, D.C.  - Congressman Dale E. Kildee (D-MI) announced today that the Genesee County Land Bank would receive $150,000 in federal funds to renovate the Durant Hotel.  The funding was appropriated by the House in the Fiscal Year 2008 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill at the request of Congressman Kildee.  

Named for William C. Durant, founder of General Motors, the Durant Hotel was built in 1920.  The hotel has been central to the most prominent events in the history of Flint, housing all out-of-town press during the 1936-37 sit-down strike.  Now empty for 34 years, the Flint landmark had accommodated travelers for more than 50 years before being closed in 1972. 

“I can remember attending many functions at the Durant,” said Kildee.  “The Durant Hotel is a reminder to us all of the rich history of Flint and of the people who helped write that history.  I am eager to see her restored to her former esteem and the economic opportunity it will bring to our community.”

The Genesee County Land Bank will use federal funds to renovate the 150,000 square foot building into a mixed use development with residential and commercial space.  Standing between downtown Flint and the campuses of the University of Michigan, Flint and Kettering University, the rejuvenation of the Durant and surrounding area will provide and encourage reemerging commerce in the community.  The redevelopment will help to revitalize a corridor that has been designated by the State of Michigan as a “Cool Cities” neighborhood.

“I am pleased that the federal government will join the ranks of those investing in Flint.  A restored Durant Hotel will bolster continued growth downtown,” said Kildee.

Federal funding for redevelopment of the Durant Hotel must be approved by the Senate and the President to be appropriated.