Reflecting on 2025: A Year of New Heights for Bogan Developments
As 2025 comes to a close, I’ve been taking time to reflect. Oftentimes as entrepreneurs, we are stacking days—focused on each email, each call, each meeting, each project, and our team—that we forget to look at the progress we’ve made. When I started Bogan Developments, the goal was simple: build an ELITE organization with my DNA—focused on excellence, moving at an urgent pace, and powered by a team of A+ players solving for the opportunities in under-invested areas of Kalamazoo. As I reflect on year five, we have come very far with so much more to do. But in this moment of reflection, I have immense gratitude for where we are now.
Expanding Our Reach Beyond Kalamazoo
What began as a Kalamazoo-based organization has become a regional force for community-driven development. This year, we expanded our footprint to South Haven Township with our first Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) award: Lighthouse Ridge. This 52-unit affordable housing development is a milestone not only for our team, but for the Lakeshore, which has seen very little new affordable housing in recent years.
This expansion marks a new chapter for our company—one where our ELITE approach, community-centered values, and long-term vision reach beyond a single city.
Strengthening Partnerships Locally
In 2025, we proudly secured a partnership with a major employer in the region—Bronson Methodist Hospital—advancing our role as a connector between housing, economic opportunity, and community stability. This collaboration reflects our belief that housing is not just a service; it’s infrastructure that supports the entire regional workforce.
Welcoming an ELITE team member
We also welcomed Michelle Audette-Bauman as Vice President, strengthening our team with deep experience in real estate development, public incentives, operations, and land planning. Michelle’s presence over the last several weeks of this year has elevated our systems, strategy, and capacity for growth.
A Growing Development Pipeline
This year, our development pipeline surpassed $50 million in active, live deals—a major milestone for a minority-led, emerging development firm. These projects span affordable housing, early childhood education, mixed-use space, and long-term community transformation.
Each deal represents more than numbers—it’s an opportunity to reshape a neighborhood, support a family, and strengthen the regional ecosystem.
Serving Families Across Our Communities
At Zone 32, our first completed mixed-use project, we’re proud to support:
● 12 families housed in high-quality, mixed-income units
● Children and parents served through the YMCA Early Learning Center
The Early Learning Center alone serves up to 25 children per day, providing care, education, healthy meals, swim lessons, and job opportunities within the community.
When we talk about elevating living standards, this is what it looks like—families thriving, children learning, and communities growing stronger.
Igniting the Local Kid Community
One of the initiatives closest to my heart this year was our monthly gift card program at Zone 32. Each tenant receives a $10 monthly gift card designed specifically to support small businesses in the Northside neighborhood—places like Factory Coffee and Greenhouse Café.
It’s a small gesture with big impact:
● Residents support local entrepreneurs
● Kids discover new places and experiences
● Dollars stay in the community where our families live
It’s economic circulation—keeping dollars in our neighborhood, building community pride, and strengthening social connection through one simple program.
A Year Marked by Growth and Gratitude
As I look back on 2025, I’m proud—not just of what we built, but how we built it.
With consistency
With teamwork.
With community at the center.
With an ELITE standard guiding every step.
To every partner, supporter, and resident: thank you. You’ve helped us on our “CLIMB” this year, and together, we’re just getting started.
Here’s to building even more hope, opportunity, and connection in 2026 as we approach “NEW Heights!”
