29 August 2024
TRAVERSE CITY – Northwestern Michigan College and Discovery Pier will finalize the incorporation documents of the Freshwater Center, a nonprofit corporation to manage and own the Freshwater Research and Innovation Center, at a ceremony on Wednesday, Sept. 4, at 5:30 p.m. at Discovery Pier in Greilickville.
The Freshwater Research and Innovation Center aims to stimulate growth in the blue economy sector and create high-quality, year-round jobs in sensor development, engineering, advanced manufacturing and other areas related to freshwater and marine technologies, a press release said.
The Freshwater Center will manage the Freshwater Research and Innovation Center, a 3710 square meter research and innovation facility on a 6.8-acre site owned by DP. It will house research initiatives, start-ups, small businesses, water-related organizations and the NMC’s Great Lakes Water Studies Institute.
Key stakeholders in the partnership include Traverse Connect, 20Fathoms, and Michigan Technological University (MTU). Together, these partners are committed to driving innovation, sustainability, and economic development in the region. The State of Michigan has committed $15 million to the project, and total secured funding is $22.7 million. Groundbreaking is planned for fall 2025. The total investment for the Dockside Learning Center and Freshwater Research and Innovation Center is estimated at $31.5 million.
The newly formed nonprofit will have a nine-member board of directors comprised of representatives from NMC, DP, Traverse Connect, MTU, 20Fathoms, and two non-voting members. This diverse board will provide comprehensive oversight and strategic direction for the center. NMC and DP will retain necessary authority in key financial and operational decisions.
With the signing of the Charter, the focus now turns to completing the renovations to Discovery Pier and preparing for construction of the Freshwater Research and Innovation Center. Construction tenders will be awarded in December 2024, with construction scheduled to begin in fall 2025. The project is expected to be completed by spring 2027.
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