BATTLE CREEK, Mich. (WOOD) — The redevelopment of downtown Battle Creek’s tallest building is one step closer to becoming a reality. 

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation awarded the project $10 million worth of assistance Tuesday.

Mark Harmsen with MDH Redevelopment is responsible for the Heritage Tower project. He said the MEDC’s economic assistance package “was the difference between the project happening or not happening.”

The entire redevelopment is expected to cost $32 million. This is the last piece of the funding puzzle, Harmsen said. 

He also said this is the largest amount of money the MEDC has awarded one project. In fact, the cap for an award is $10 million.

The money will pay for construction and related expenses.

The Heritage Tower has sat empty for several years. The once-thriving bank will feature office and retail space, as well as market-rate apartments. The first apartments should be available spring of 2019.