ALMA — Preparations are underway for the next phase of redevelopment at the Alma Opera House Boiler House, 408 N. State St., where renovation work will soon begin on the future home of the Center for Small Business Innovation, Incubation, and Development (BIID) for Mid-Michigan.
The project is supported by a $2-million federal earmark secured through a government funding bill signed in 2024. Once complete, the BIID hub is expected to serve as a state-of-the-art center focused on entrepreneurship, workforce development and small business growth across the region.
Renovation work is scheduled to begin in mid-July, with the project estimated to be completed by January 2027. Organizers said the project was initially expected to be housed in the former Brown Printing building, but a final revision of available earmark funding shifted plans to the Opera House Boiler House location.
The BIID initiative is a partnership involving Alma College, the city of Alma, Greater Gratiot Economic Development Inc., Gratiot Technical Education, Alma Public Schools, Mid-Michigan Community College and Montcalm Community College. Organizers say the center will support the launch and expansion of businesses in critical sectors of the mid-Michigan economy while also creating new educational and training opportunities for students and community members.
The BIID project also represents the latest collaboration between Alma College, the city of Alma and regional partners aimed at strengthening downtown Alma and expanding community engagement opportunities. Leaders say the project will bring increased daily activity to the downtown district while encouraging residents and visitors to shop, dine and invest locally.
As preparations begin for construction, crews are clearing out the boiler house and recently uncovered a remarkable collection of original 1890-era doors and shutters that had been removed from the Opera House decades ago and stored in the building.
Community members are now invited to stop by the boiler house and take home a piece of Alma history. The historic doors and shutters are available free of charge or through free-will donation, with organizers hoping the pieces will find new life in local homes, workshops and creative projects.
The boiler house will be open from 2 to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, May 20-22, or by appointment by contacting stoudtrr@alma.edu. Organizers say the event offers a rare opportunity for history enthusiasts, preservation supporters and collectors to own an authentic piece of the Alma Opera House’s past.
