Groundbreaking Ceremony for Benton Harbor Waterfront Plaza
“This project shows what can be realized when partners align,” said Andrew Haan, Vice President of Business Development at Cornerstone Alliance.
“With the support from MEDC, City of Benton Harbor, Whirlpool, Harbor Shores, and Cornerstone Alliance, we were able to make this great community place a reality.”
BENTON HARBOR, MICH. (December 13, 2024) – Cornerstone Alliance, Berrien County’s premier economic development organization, is pleased to announce the groundbreaking ceremony for the Benton Harbor Waterfront Plaza. This event will take place on Tuesday, December 17, at 10 a.m., marking a step forward in transforming the community’s vision for accessible and vibrant waterfront spaces into reality.
The Benton Harbor Waterfront Plaza will connect the community to 600 feet of waterfront along Riverview Drive, offering new opportunities for recreation, relaxation, and engagement with the water. This transformative project represents a significant investment of more than $2 million to revitalize a one-acre site into a year-round hub of activity and connectivity.
The new plaza will feature amenities such as a water taxi dock, fishing area, fire pit, and shaded seating for food trucks. Designed to enhance both community connection and access to the water, the site will also serve as a space for future programming and events.
“Our community’s future is tied to the water,” said Mayor Marcus Muhammad, City of Benton Harbor. “This project is another important step forward in seizing the opportunity before us, and the best is yet to come.”
The project is made possible through a $1 million grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s (MEDC) Revitalization and Placemaking Program (RAP), matched by contributions from local partners, including a $25,000 commitment from the Benton Harbor City Commission and a significant donation from the Whirlpool Foundation. Harbor Shores, which donated the land for the project, will also oversee the plaza’s ongoing maintenance.
“This project shows what can be realized when partners align. With the support from MEDC, City of Benton Harbor, Whirlpool, Harbor Shores, and Cornerstone Alliance, we were able to make this great community place a reality,” said Andrew Haan, Vice President of Business Development at Cornerstone Alliance.
Sitework has begun, with completion in summer 2025. The redevelopment will address the challenges of the current site, including uneven terrain and limited access, to create a welcoming public space that supports leisure, recreation, and community gathering.
“The Plaza provides year-round opportunity to connect with the water,” notes Chris Cook, Managing Director, Harbor Shores Community Redevelopment. “We look forward to providing a welcoming space programmed with opportunities for the entire community.”
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. For more information on Cornerstone Alliance, please visit www.GoMichigan.com.