Gene Carlson is ready to get to work in downtown Lake Orion.
‘I want to give back something to the community,? he said.
The real estate investor, who works out of a renovated 19th century house on N. Lapeer Street, is the Downtown Development Authority’s (DDA) new Chairman of the Board.
He has already assumed the duties of the position which was vacated by Dick Hassberger last month.
In fact, Carlson said he was voted into the job at the DDA’s November meeting, which he then proceeded to run.
Originally from Minnesota, Carlson moved to Orion Township in 1990 when he landed a job as an engineer for GM.
Both of his daughters grew up in Orion. One is a senior at Lake Orion High School, while the other has moved on to Oakland University.
After 15 years with GM, Carlson, like many in the auto industry of late, took a buyout.
Carlson went on to form the Valkyrie Group, a real estate investment firm.
While the official headquarters are in downtown Lake Orion, most of Carlson’s properties are currently in the Grand Rapids area.
Carlson is looking to change this, and said he is currently looking at properties around Orion.
Downtown Lake Orion is a unique place, Carlson said, because of the lake and the historical buildings from the 1800s that line the streets.
‘It’s a very cool place to be,? he said.
Having served on two DDA boards–economic restructuring and the design–Carlson is already familiar with many of the projects underway.
‘We’ve got to get them funded and get them completed,? he said.
Carlson said one of the most important DDA projects he looks forward to working on is streetscaping.
The project, which Carlson said is still in the conceptual stage, will include brick paving, benches, streetlights and sidewalks.
Carlson said it may take up to a year of planning and working with the state on grant money before work begins.
The Meeks Park Bridge, Polly Ann Trail and work with the various parks will also be on his radar.
‘We want to give people a reason to come down here, not just for business, but also for recreation,? he said.