Whirlpool Names New Residential Development For Former Benton Harbor Mayor

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Whirlpool has named its new 80-unit multi-family housing development on Riverview Drive in Benton Harbor the Emma Jean Hull Flats. Whirlpool Community Relations Director Deb O’Connor tells us the company worked with city commissioners to select a name for the $22 million development. Emma Jean Hull was mayor of Benton Harbor from 1992 to 1996 and led development efforts.

“She’s really known as a catalyst to the revitalization of Benton Harbor,” O’Connor said. “She positioned the city for rezoning and business redevelopment opportunities.”

O’Connor says this project is an example of things that have grown out of those efforts. How’s the development coming along?

“Every time I go by there, it seems like there’s a lot more progress. There are basically two buildings, it’s like an L-shape, and the first one is up and the second one is there. So, the structure is up.”

However, there’s still a lot of work to do on the inside. Current Mayor Marcus Muhammad says naming the building after Mayor Hull, the first female mayor of the city, is a fitting way to honor her legacy. Leasing at the Emma Jean Hull Flats is expected to begin in early 2023 for the local community, including Whirlpool employees and community residents. Whirlpool will put out word next year when it becomes possible to start leaving at the complex.