Finance committee backs brownfield plan for 28 North Saginaw redevelopment in Pontiac

The Oakland County Finance Committee voted to advance a brownfield redevelopment plan for 28 North Saginaw in downtown Pontiac, a project presented by the county economic development department.

County staff said the redevelopment — known as Oakland Town Center and formerly the Pontiac State Bank building — is a roughly $12 million mixed-use conversion of a 16-story structure. Brad Hanson told commissioners the project would create 114 rental apartments, with 70 units set aside under the Brownfield housing program benchmark and 14 of those reserved at 80% area median income for a 30-year term under a community benefits agreement with the city of Pontiac.

Staff said $6.6 million in TIP-eligible activities are included in a 30-year payment plan tied to the brownfield plan. The Brownfield Redevelopment Authority approved the plan on Feb. 17, 2026, and the Pontiac City Council approved it on March 3, 2026.

Several commissioners expressed support, noting the county's role in helping the project attract financing and convert a long-vacant downtown building. The committee voted to advance the plan to the next stage of review.

If completed, the project would add mixed commercial and residential capacity to downtown Pontiac as part of ongoing redevelopment efforts.