Midland, MI
53,549 sq ft
Shelterhouse of Midland & Gladwin Counties
Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA)
Three Rivers Corporation
Berardi + Partners
SOL Design & Consulting
KMG Prestige, Inc.
In May 2020, heavy rainfall led to the failure of the Edenville and Sanford Dams, causing widespread flooding throughout Midland County. More than 2,500 homes, businesses, and nonprofits sustained damage, and several hundred families were displaced. The event intensified an existing shortage of affordable housing and underscored the need for resilient, energy-efficient development within the city.
Center City Lofts was conceived in direct response to that need. Located in Midland’s Center City neighborhood, the project transforms a vacant infill site along the Saginaw Road Redevelopment corridor into 55 high-quality apartments for working families.
MiGBC is proud to announce Center City Lofts as the winner of the Certified Green Buildings Award for Multifamily for achieving both LEED Gold and LEED Zero Energy.
In May 2020, catastrophic flooding from the Edenville and Sanford Dam failures displaced hundreds of families and damaged more than 2,500 structures throughout Midland County. The disaster intensified an already limited supply of affordable housing and made clear the region’s need for resilient, energy-efficient development. Center City Lofts was created in direct response to that need. Located in Midland’s Center City neighborhood along the Saginaw Road Redevelopment corridor, the project transforms a vacant infill site into 55 high-quality apartments for working families.
The $13.5 million development was led by Spire Development, Inc., financed primarily through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), and delivered in partnership with Shelterhouse of Midland and Gladwin Counties, which provides on-site supportive housing and case management services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Spire collaborated closely with Berardi + Partners as architect, SOL Design & Consulting as sustainability consultant, and Three Rivers Corporation as general contractor to create a community that combines advanced building performance with long-term affordability.
From the outset, Center City Lofts was designed to support Midland’s long-term recovery through high energy performance, durable materials, and community reinvestment. The project meets LEED Zero Energy standards, features an all-electric design, and offers lasting affordability to households earning 30%–80% of area median income. With its integrated approach to sustainability, resilience, and social partnership, Center City Lofts stands as a model for community-focused housing development in Michigan.
The three-story, elevator-served community includes 23 one-bedroom, 21 two-bedroom, and 11 three-bedroom apartments. Ten units are dedicated to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, supported through Shelterhouse’s on-site case management and advocacy services.
Sustainability and health were central to every design decision. Working with SOL Design & Consulting, the team incorporated a high-performance building envelope, all-electric HVAC and appliances, and solar-ready infrastructure to achieve LEED Zero Energy performance. Additional amenities include EV charging stations, a playground, indoor and outdoor bike storage, furnished community space, and dedicated tenant support offices.
Located along a highly walkable corridor, the project provides convenient access to groceries, healthcare, schools, parks, and major employers, including Dow Chemical and MidMichigan Health. Its all-electric, high-efficiency design significantly reduces resident utility costs while enhancing indoor air quality, thermal comfort, and long-term durability. Center City Lofts demonstrates how sustainable, post-disaster workforce housing can be replicable across communities statewide.
The project’s most notable achievement may be the collaboration that made it possible. Development and construction occurred during one of the most difficult periods for the multifamily industry, as pandemic-era inflation, material shortages, and supply chain disruptions strained budgets and schedules nationwide. Even so, Spire Development, MSHDA, Shelterhouse, Berardi + Partners, SOL Design & Consulting, and Three Rivers Corporation worked in lockstep from predevelopment through completion to deliver a community that is both highly efficient and deeply impactful.
Through MSHDA’s leadership and financial support, the team upheld its LEED Zero Energy goals, maintained a disciplined construction timeline, and preserved long-term affordability commitments in the face of market volatility. Completing this project without sacrificing energy performance or affordability required extraordinary coordination, creativity, and persistence.
Spire Development continues to advance sustainability through thoughtful community development. Building on the success of Center City Lofts, the organization has committed future Michigan projects to pursuing LEED Zero Energy certification, incorporating Level 3 EV charging, and integrating on-site solar generation wherever feasible.
Center City Lofts ultimately stands as a benchmark for what can be achieved when state and local partners, mission-driven developers, and dedicated design and construction professionals unite around a shared vision for resilient, equitable, and sustainable housing in Michigan.
The MiGBC Leadership Awards promote outstanding green building initiatives by recognizing projects, organizations, and people who have made extraordinary contributions to achieving healthy, energy-efficient green buildings in the state of Michigan.“We are thrilled to lift up organizations that lead by example,” says Cheri Holman, Executive Director of the MiGBC, “by sharing these accomplishments we can show that good economic decisions and green buildings can be one and the same.”
Managing Principal and Founder, McLennan Design
Principal and Chief Sustainability Officer, Perkins&Will
Considered one of the world’s most influential individuals in the field of architecture and green building movement today, Jason is a highly sought out designer, consultant, and thought leader around the planet. He is the recipient of the prestigious Buckminster Fuller Prize (the planet’s top prize for socially responsible design). He has been called the ‘Wayne Gretzky’ of the green building industry, a “World Changer” by GreenBiz magazine, and has been selected as the Award of Excellence winner for Engineering News Record – one of the only individuals in the architecture profession to have won the award in its 55-year history.
McLennan is the creator of the Living Building Challenge – the most stringent and progressive green building program in existence, as well as a primary author of the WELL Building Standard, which is sweeping the globe. He is the author of seven books on Sustainability and Design – used by thousands of practitioners each year, including the Philosophy of Sustainable Design, which is considered the ‘bible for green building’ – and is both an Ashoka Fellow and Senior Fellow of the Design Future’s Council. He has been selected by Yes! Magazine as one of ‘15 people shaping the world’ and works closely with world leaders, Fortune 500 companies, leading NGOs, major universities, celebrities, and influential development companies – all in the pursuit of a world that is socially just, culturally rich, and ecologically restorative. He is the founder of the International Living Future Institute and is the CEO of McLennan Design – his own architectural and planning practice, designing some of the world’s most advanced green buildings. McLennan’s work has been published in dozens of journals, magazines, and newspapers around the world. Jason serves as the Chief Sustainability Officer at Perkins&Will and is the Managing Principal at McLennan Design.
Data Management and Research Intern
Chloe (she/they) is a returning Data Management and Research Intern for the summer of 2025. In this role, they will be focusing on the Automated Benchmarking Service and developing case studies for the website. Currently a rising senior at the University of Michigan, Chloe is pursuing a major in Data Science with minors in Environmental Studies and Energy Science & Policy, and is doing research with the Energy Equity Project. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking with her dog, and baking.
Data Management and Research Intern
Viraj is passionate about transforming energy data into actionable insights. At MiGBC, he focuses on Automated Benchmarking Services (ABS), helping businesses track, analyze, and optimize their energy usage effortlessly. With a background in data analytics, automation, and research, he works on streamlining energy reporting, integrating utility data, and enhancing benchmarking efficiency.
Currently pursuing a Master’s in Information Technology & Management, Viraj enjoys simplifying complex datasets and making energy data more accessible and impactful for businesses and communities. His goal is to leverage automation and data-driven strategies to drive sustainability and help organizations make smarter, more efficient energy decisions.
Board of Directors
Principal Supervisor – Energy Partnerships, DTE Energy
Tamika works as a Principal Supervisor for the Energy Waste Reduction team at DTE Energy. She oversees a team of energy managers that work with commercial and industrial building owners and customers in the DTE Energy service area to achieve their energy efficiency goals. Tamika holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Michigan and a M.S. in Engineering Management from Eastern Michigan University. Tamika is also a Certified Energy Manager.
Board of Directors
Attorney, The Business Law Group
Andrew earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from Michigan State University and a law degree from Cooley Law School. Andrew is an attorney with an extensive background in civil litigation, business matters, franchise law, sports and entertainment law, and landlord-tenant matters. He has helped dozens of businesses and individuals with a variety of issues from starting up a new business venture to collecting debts to contract drafting and negotiations to general counsel to drafting and reviewing franchise agreements to evictions.
Board of Directors
Area General Manager, West Michigan Trane
Jeff joined Trane in 2007 in Madison as operations leader for a territory covering the state of Wisconsin and the western half of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Over the next ten years, he went through a progression of roles and expanding leadership responsibilities culminating as head of construction for a territory covering the Dakotas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and parts of 5 other states. In 2017, he relocated to West Michigan and started leading the customer facing efforts in supporting the needs of communities with their indoor environmental needs from supporting sustainable designs to maintaining performance of the buildings.
Board of Directors
Building Commissioning Specialist, Western Michigan University
DeVon Miller is the Building Commissioning Specialist at Western Michigan University. DeVon has over 8 years of experience in Facilities Management, over 15 years of experience in project management including energy conservation, building automation systems, building commissioning, and is a Building Commissioning Professional and LEED Accredited Professional with ASHRAE and Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) respectively. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Technological University.
Board of Directors
Retired, Steelcase
An accomplished speaker on sustainability, operations environmental performance, and environmental strategies David educates and inspires community, customers, and business influencers through numerous board and community activities, national conferences, and educational events. David has a Bachelor’s in Microbiology and Public Health from Michigan State University and a Master’s in Management from Aquinas College. David participated as a member of the foundation committee that formed the West Michigan Chapter.
Board of Directors
Director of Business Development, Michigan Women Forward
Armed with a heart dedicated to service and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Cornerstone University, Ana Jose strives to be an advocate for those without a voice. Born and raised in a small Dominican province called Ingenio Consuelo, Ana’s roots are reflected through her work with the community. During her four years with Bethany Christian Services, she developed programs to secure housing for youth from overseas, specifically those from Central America. Ana’s ability to create and implement effective programming has allowed her to seamlessly step into the role of Program Manager at the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. The initiative that Ana will continue to grow and improve is called Transformando West Michigan, which focuses on Hispanic business owners that have the desire to gain knowledge and experience in differing fields, such as financial education or food safety certification. Her personal goal for the program is to facilitate opportunities for growth within Hispanic businesses. As a business owner herself, Ana operated West Michigan Mortgage and Financial Services (2004), in which she found great success helping people to understand the value of homeownership, which allowed her to become instrumental in helping families secure FHA loans. She has also created programs to help families improve their credit and secure properties in the city of Grand Rapids. Ana graduated from the Latino Talent Program at Ferris State University in 2015 and finds inspiration from the local community, her family, and Hispanic culture. She enjoys spending time with her husband and children and strives to be a good mom, daughter, and friend.
Board of Directors – Secretary
Manager of Product Innovation, Consumer’s Energy
As Manager of Product Innovation for Consumers Energy, Lisa leads a portfolio of pilots and research projects to explore and test potential new products for the utility’s business customers. This work looks at emerging technology, civic partnerships, and programs that offer customers solutions in energy efficiency, energy demand-side management, electrification, and renewables, while working to support the company’s Clean Energy Plan. Prior to Consumers, Lisa was Director of Marketing and Communication at the Capital Region Community Foundation and held a variety of customer experience roles at MSU Federal Credit Union. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English literature from Alma College and a Master of Arts in Strategic Communications from Michigan State University.
Board of Directors – Treasurer
President, Cella Building Company
Peter is president of Cella Building Company, specializing in sustainable new construction and redevelopment of under-utilized properties. Peter has experience in all phases of the development process from site selection through operations. By focusing on the impact on people, planet, and profit; Peter and the Cella Building Company team look to incorporate the principles of the triple bottom line to all projects in which they are involved.
Board of Directors – Vice Chair
Principal / Mechanical Engineer, Ignyte Design
Jon is a Principal at IGNYTE Design and a registered Professional Engineer, licensed in multiple states. He provides expertise in sustainable design and carbon reduction for healthcare, higher education, government, and large commercial clients across the country. He has extensive experience working with facilities management teams to assess existing systems, plan for future capital projects, reduce their carbon footprint, and maximize their return on investment. When Jon isn’t helping clients, he’s spending time outside with his wife Kelly and daughters Adelyn and Amelia. He’s passionate about gardening, woodworking, and classic cars.
Board of Directors – Chair
PE / Associate / Senior Civil Engineer, Fishbeck
Ryan Musch is a Senior Civil Engineer and leads the Site Development Group at Fishbeck. Ryan has over 15 years of experience in Site and Civil Engineering and has focused much of his efforts on Sustainable Design within his Site Development and Civil projects. Ryan has a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Calvin College, a Masters of Business Administration from Grand Valley State University, and is a LEED Accredited Professional and Sustainable SITES Accredited Professional.
Program Manager, Lansing 2030 District
Audrey (she/her), a lifelong environmentalist, has joined the MiGBC to champion the Emerging Lansing 2030 District. With over 15 years of experience in complex project and program management, Audrey brings a combination of technical expertise and enthusiasm for sustainable solutions.
As a dedicated climate activist, Audrey is committed to addressing pressing environmental challenges through community engagement and informed action. Audrey is a Michigan native with a Masters of Science in Packaging from Michigan State University and enjoys spending time outdoors, participating in endurance sports, and caring for animals.
Communications Manager
Ally (she/her) is our Communications Manager. She is in charge of working on our weekly newsletter, social media presence, website updating, blog, and more! Directly prior to this role she spent five months with us as our Website and Usability Intern. She is a graduate of Michigan State University where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design and her Bachelor’s Degree in Comparative Cultures and Politics. She is passionate about combining her skills and love of design with environmental advocacy, as well as learning new ways to better the environment in her daily life.
In her free time she is an avid gardener, bike packer, and Great Lakes visitor. Though on a regular day she can be found spending most of her time with her two cats or taking care of her many houseplants.
Program Manager
Kayla (she/her) is the lead for our programs where she focuses on data management, educational events, and assisting local organizations with energy efficiency initiatives. Before joining MiGBC, Kayla performed energy audits, led internal educational sessions to bridge MEP design with energy efficiency, and collaborated with design engineers on reducing energy loads. She also has 4 years of experience in the brewing industry where she created her own sustainability internship tracking KPIs and implementing waste reduction strategies.
Kayla completed her associate degree at GRCC before transferring to the University of Michigan and graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Environmental Studies. She is passionate about equitable, energy efficient, and ecologically conscious buildings. In her free time, she enjoys running, gardening, spending time with family, and working on creative projects.
Event & Membership Manager
Wendy (she/her) coordinates our event planning, membership management, tracking & planning program impact and community engagement, as well as sharing in the development of all programs. Wendy is most passionate about mitigating climate change, reducing energy consumption, and environmental conservation.
Wendy comes to MiGBC with fifteen years of account management, event planning, volunteer training, and administrative experience in the non-profit and corporate sectors with a focus on the education environment. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Resource Management and Environmental Studies.
Wendy spent her childhood days on the shores of Lake Superior and is a Yooper at heart. In here spare time she likes to keep active. She has been a long distance runner since middle school, is a certified advanced NAUII scuba diver, practices hot yoga, and loves to spend time exploring nature and traveling.
Executive Director
Cheri (she/her) is a LEED Accredited Professional with extensive experience and a genuine passion for energy & water conservation. Other areas of interest include indoor environmental quality, clean/renewable energy, access to healthy food and all things related to educating and promoting a healthy built environment. Prior to her work in non-profit Cheri spent most of her career consulting & partnering with private sector corporations to reduce resource consumption within their facilities through the implementation of energy conservation technologies and improved operational practices.
Mrs. Holman is a Past Chair of our Board of Directors after serving as Treasurer for 2 years. In early 2008 Cheri founded the LEED for Existing Building Advocacy Group. She served as a subject matter expert for the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) LEED for EB Operations and Maintenance test development in 2008 and the Commercial Reviewer exam test development in 2009. In 2010 & 2011 Cheri served as a Greenbuild conference session reviewer.
