By Andi Anderson
The Michigan Mass Timber Catalyst Program announced funding awards to support the development of innovative building projects using mass timber across the state.
A total of 350,000 dollars, along with one year of technical assistance, was awarded to nine project teams to help advance early stage planning and design.
“Demand for mass timber is growing in Michigan, with more than 65 projects complete or in development statewide,” said Sandra Lupien, director, MassTimber@MSU at Michigan State University. “But this is still a new technology and early adopters need support to overcome commonly faced knowledge gaps. The Michigan Mass Timber Catalyst Program awards provide funding and support to help ensure successful implementation by these nine teams.”
Projects selected represented a wide range of uses and locations, including educational facilities, municipal buildings, housing, and mixed use developments. “From a woodworking school in Adrian to a municipal building in Grand Rapids, housing in Highland Park and the Grand Traverse Bay area, to mixed-use facilities in several locations, we are pleased to see the interest in mass timber projects and are excited to encourage them,” said Patrick Mohney, senior lands program manager with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Office of Public Lands.
While the initial proposal period attracted projects from across the Lower Peninsula, no applications were received from the Upper Peninsula.
As a result, the program announced a supplemental call specifically for Upper Peninsula based projects. An additional 50,000 dollars was made available, with applications accepted from February 9 through March 2. Award announcements for these projects were scheduled for March 16.
Mass timber allowed tall and complex buildings to be constructed using engineered wood products designed for strength and fire resistance.
Both Michigan State University and the Department of Natural Resources had already invested in mass timber facilities, including MSU’s STEM Teaching and Learning Facility and the DNR’s Newberry Customer Service Center in the eastern Upper Peninsula.
Awarded projects included developments in Highland Park, Lansing, Harrison Township, Adrian, Detroit, Traverse City, Grand Rapids, East Lansing, and Mt. Pleasant. Funding amounts ranged from 25,000 to 60,000 dollars, depending on project scope and complexity.
Award recipients joined a collaborative cohort receiving technical assistance from WoodWorks, MassTimber@MSU, and other partners. The program also emphasized public engagement and knowledge sharing to promote best practices and encourage wider adoption of mass timber construction across Michigan.
Photo Credit: pexels-mayukh-karmakar
Categories: Michigan, Rural Lifestyle