East Jordan

Community Profile

East Jordan

Located along the south arm of Lake Charlevoix and the Jordan River, the G&I area of East Jordan City comprises South Arm township and East Jordan City. The historic downtown district lies east of the southernmost portion of Lake Charlevoix. Additional commercial development sits along Michigan State Highway 32 (M-32) and Michigan State Highway 66 (M-66), which are primary regional transportation corridors. Historic residential neighborhoods lie to the center of the City, with newer residential development closer to the City boundaries. *Evaluating Redevelopment Ready Community status.

The Northern Lakes Economic Alliance (NLEA): Serving Antrim County & Charlevoix County
The Northern Lakes Economic Alliance (NLEA), established in 1984, is a public/private non-profit organization serving Antrim, Charlevoix, and Cheboygan Counties in Northern Michigan. The NLEA works directly with local units of government on infrastructure projects, facilitates local company growth and expansion, and assists many local companies on a wide range of issues that help retain existing jobs and create new jobs.

David Emmel, President—(231) 582-6482

Investment Opportunities

Old City Boat Launch Commercial Redevelopment

Community Investment Area

Former boat launch property located on Lake Charlevoix and M-32 within the hub of downtown. Property is connected to the Joining Jordan walkway project that will restore the former launch parking lot and create a pocket park along the lakeshore for walking, fishing, and access to Lake Charlevoix. Property’s parking lot and building are high priority on city's master plan. Located within an Opportunity Zone.

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East Jordan Civic Center Site

Community Investment Area

The East Jordan Civic Center sits on the largest footprint along Main Street in downtown East Jordan. Occupying about three square blocks or .4 acres, this site is still used as a community center, with groups renting the gymnasium space for sporting and other events. However, the site is aging, and the City of East Jordan has showcased this property within the updated master plan for either rehabilitation or demo and redevelopment.

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DDA — Vacant Land

Community Investment Area

Vacant land within the DDA/business district. Located on M-32 on commercially zoned land. Located within an Opportunity Zone.

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Community Details

Population

4,414

Population

8.2%

Population Change since 2010

50%

Percentage of East Jordan City Population Under the Age of 45

4.1%

Percentage of Non-White Population

Education

29%

Percentage of Population in East Jordan City Aged 25+ with a Degree

Employment

10,754

Total Jobs in Charlevoix County

24.9%

Percentage of Jobs in Charlevoix County in Manufacturing

17.7%

Percentage of Jobs in Charlevoix County in Accommodation & Food Services

Housing

1,790

Households in East Jordan

2,308

Housing Units

82%

Homeownership Rate

20%

Seasonal Housing

Income

15.5%

Poverty Rate

47%

Percentage of Households With Income Over $50,000 in East Jordan

Economic Development

Recent Private Investments

Cannonball LLC Space

8200 sqft

This mixed-use space on the corner of Main and Spring streets features restaurant and retail spaces with outdoor dining and views of the Jordan River, Memorial Park and the marina. Capex: $2.1 million Jobs created: 24

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Recent Public Works Projects

The Joining Jordan Bridge and Walkway Project

Cost: $2,500,000

Historically, Lake Charlevoix and Jordan River created a natural barrier that physically split the community. This bridge, walkway, and waterfront development connects the community with motorized, bicycle, and pedestrian lanes. This project was primarily funded by MEDC, and was led and co-funded by the East Jordan DDA, and creates a new commercial redevelopment property on the lakefront.

East Jordan Water Tower and Reservoir Replacement

Cost: $1,200,000

Replaced the City’s aging, 100-year old water tower with new and added 100,000 gallons to the previous capacity for community growth.

Phase II Sewer Upgrade and Expansion

Cost: $3,000,000

Second phase of Sewer Collection System upgrades. The wastewater treatment plant was upgraded from a lagoon style to mechanical plant in 2018, expanding sewer collection capacity to prepare the community for growth and development. East Jordan is now planning to identify where sewer main improvements must be made.

Economic Development Ecosystem Map

This map shows some of the many organizations in this county providing economic development related services, such as workforce training, development finance, or technical advising for businesses. Use the dropdown in the upper left hand corner to filter by People, Investment, and Place.

“People” covers organizations that focus on early childhood care, workforce training, equity and diversity, and talent recruitment and retention.

“Investment” includes organizations that focus on industry cluster support, small business investment and technical assistance, innovation and technology development, and real estate and commercial development.

“Place”-focused organizations include tourism, arts and culture, and recreation organizations, planning and development entities, infrastructure and utility providers, and housing organizations.