UBLY, Mich. — August 19, 2026 — The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) is awarding a $350,000 Brownfield Redevelopment Grant to help clean up and redevelop a contaminated property in downtown Ubly, Michigan, into a new café.
The 0.38-acre property at 4496 North Washington Avenue, known as the former Dunks Garage, has been vacant since 2023. The site has a long industrial history dating to 1901, including use as a blacksmith shop, gas station, oil and fuel depot, and auto repair facility.
Environmental investigations identified contamination linked to an underground storage tank that ruptured during removal in 1985.
The EGLE grant will support several cleanup and construction-related activities, including:
EGLE has been involved with the property since 1992. Its Bay City District Office spent more than $1 million between 1992 and 2025 on environmental assessments, liquid contamination removal and operation of a soil vapor extraction system.
The redevelopment is considered a priority for Ubly because it will help revitalize and beautify the downtown area while returning a long-vacant property to productive use.
The Ubly project demonstrates how brownfield funding can create construction opportunities on properties that may otherwise be difficult or expensive to redevelop.
Environmental remediation creates specialized work: Projects involving contaminated soil and groundwater can require environmental contractors, remediation specialists, demolition contractors and hazardous-material abatement teams.
Small properties can generate construction activity: Even a 2,900-square-foot building can create opportunities for renovation, demolition, environmental mitigation, mechanical, electrical and finishing contractors.
Public grants can improve project feasibility: Brownfield grants can help property owners address environmental liabilities before moving into the broader construction and redevelopment phase.
Adaptive reuse can reduce development barriers: Renovating an existing building allows owners to bring vacant properties back into service while supporting downtown revitalization.
Early environmental due diligence matters: Construction owners and developers considering former industrial or commercial properties should investigate potential contamination, underground storage tanks, asbestos and vapor risks before acquisition or construction.
The Ubly redevelopment shows how brownfield incentives can turn environmentally challenging properties into viable construction projects. For construction owners, identifying available grants and working with environmental specialists early can help reduce redevelopment risks and unlock opportunities in established commercial areas.
Source: Michigan Govt.
