By Lisa Mackinder | MiBizMuskegon, Mich. (June 25, 2007) - Securing the right financing can make or break a development project. That is why Muskegon-based Hooker|DeJong not only provides traditional design services, but also assistance with the development of financing. The firm has a qualified staff that evaluates financial alternatives, maximizes tax incentives and suggests creative leveraging opportunities. Frank Bednarek, VP of development at Hooker|DeJong told MiBiz they help governmental agencies and not-for-profits secure funding through avenues like municipal bonds. Providing what Bednarek called a “total package of services,” is a great benefit to their clients. “We discover how the price can be spread out,” he said. The right financial assistance can also make a project run more smoothly. For instance, with downtown improvement projects, the firm has helped identify and secure funding by the municipality or funding matched by the municipality. Bednarek said they have also developed bond schedules.Hooker|DeJong also maximizes clients’ tax incentives by assisting with site selection. The marketing and use of tax and brownfield incentives has become very competitive. “With tax incentives you can save on the bottom line,” said Bednarek.Some of Hooker|DeJong’s projects include office buildings, banks, manufacturing facilities, hotels, governmental buildings, municipal parks, multi-family housing and healthcare facilities. The firm renovated the WaterMark Lofts & WaterMark Center in the downtown Muskegon Waterfront District. Formerly the Shaw Walker manufacturing facility, it has been converted into mid-rise condominiums. Shaw-Walker once created advances in office equipment like the “Built Like a Skyscraper” metal cabinets in 1913. Over 1 million square feet were made available.The firm has served the West Michigan area since 1936. Hooker|DeJong has strength in its design of municipal and educational facilities. Other projects include the Muskegon Area Transit System (MATS) and multiple projects for the Allegan County FIA and Public Health Building that totaled $6.5 million and encompassed 60,000 square feet. In 2002, the firm received the Steel Joist Institute’s Honorable Mention for Industrial Projects Design for the MATS facility.Hooker|DeJong was also charged with improving facility image and enhancing function of the L.C. Walker Arena. This included 50,000 square feet of renovation and 13,000 square feet of expansion with a budget of $8.75 million. Additionally, the firm worked with Grand Valley State University on the Annis Water Resource Institute, a multidisciplinary research organization committed to the study of freshwater resources.Bednarek expects Hooker|DeJong to experience modest growth in the coming years.Currently, Hooker|DeJong has 20 employees between its office in Muskegon and satellite office in Ada. The firm has worked on projects throughout the state, including Grand Rapids, Holland, Grand Haven and several in the Detroit area.Although continuing to have good working relationships with GMB Architecture & Engineering in Holland and Angus Young & Associates of Janesville, Wisc., Hooker|DeJong no longer has an official partnership with these organizations.COPYRIGHT 2007. MIBIZ.ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.This article appeared in the June 15, 2007 issue of MiBiz, read by upper management executives in West and Southwest Michigan. Print subscriptions are free to qualified individuals who are employed in West and Southwest Michigan. For further information about MiBiz, visit www.mibiz.com.