DETROIT-A project to develop a state Welcome Center in Mexicantown in southeast Detroit has been approved for a state tax credit to help spur it along. The project calls for the redevelopment of a vacant, partially tax-reverted property into a new visitor center for the state and a connected retail center.

CANTON, MI-Work has begun on the 311,000-sf store, which will soon become the 28th IKEA store in the US, and fourth in the Upper Midwest. The store is expected to open in summer 2006.

LAKE ORION, MI-Beaumont Hospital opens a new $9 million medical office building in Lake Orion. Buildings are also under construction in Macomb Township and Warren.

UTICA, MI-Home Depot says it will close two of its Expo Design Center stores in Michigan and convert the third into a traditional Home Depot store.

ROMULUS, MI-Plans are now in the works for a 212-acre thoroughbred-racing complex that could feature three racing tracks set inside each other, an entertainment pavilion for simulcast racing and at least 21 barns with 36 horse stalls each.

ROMULUS, MI-Plans are now in the works for a 212-acre thoroughbred-racing complex that could feature three racing tracks set inside each other, an entertainment pavilion for simulcast racing and at least 21 barns with 36 horse stalls each.

FARMINGTON HILLS, MI-Following several delays, including a shuffling of auditors and an IRS investigation of the company's REIT status, Ramco-Gershenson has finally reported its first quarter earnings.

LANSING, MI-State and tribal leaders are developing joint economic opportunities and working to improve the coordination of economic development programs and resources among state, local, and tribal government officials.