Partner Spotlight: Bogan Developments

Published 2.16.2022 by Beth Romeo

Bogan Developments has big dreams of helping families thrive. Founder and CEO Jamauri Bogan is at the forefront of this growing company, and LISC is excited to support its efforts of bringing more affordable housing to Kalamazoo County. 

Originally from New Jersey, Jamauri came to Kalamazoo to play football for the Broncos at WMU. He participated in many community service opportunities that inspired him to give back during his time at WMU. “If I score a touchdown on the field, that feels good, but helping people feels better,” said Jamauri. Now a two-time graduate of the Haworth College of Business, Jamauri launched Bogan Developments in March 2020 and has decided to call Kalamazoo home. Jamauri said that when he first got into real estate, he started looking into affordable housing because he wanted to positively affect lives and see families thrive. “I want to build a company that mirrors the communities that it works in,” said Jamauri. “A company that is supporting minorities and empowering others to learn and grow. A company that is building to break cycles.” 

Bogan Developments is excited to live that mission as they launch into a new affordable housing and childcare project on the Northside of Kalamazoo. 315 E. Frank Street started as an opportunity to build some duplexes but has grown into a multi-unit building with an additional commercial building on site. This development will bring four affordable and five market-rate units to the Northside and will feature studio, two-bedroom one bath, and two-bedroom two-bath options and will include in-unit washer and dryers. The site offers plenty of parking, and plans are developing for a community garden space.

This project also brings much-needed childcare resources to the community as the YMCA has plans to operate a childcare center out of the new commercial space on the property. The childcare center will serve ages 3-5 years old and will have space for 30-35 children along with tuition assistance opportunities for qualifying families. Jamauri said, “We’re excited to partner with the YMCA, not only because they bring creditability and expertise, but because adding this childcare space helps bring much-needed resources to an underdeveloped area in Kalamazoo.” 

LISC Kalamazoo worked with Bogan Developments to provide some financial support on the predevelopment costs of this project, which helped offset some of the expenses before construction. “It’s a heavy lift,” said Jamauri. “Many minorities cannot develop because you don’t get a return on your cash until your development is built and you have people in it. LISC has been a great community partner. Not only because of the financial support, but LISC has also invested time in me and connected me to the community, which has been a great asset.” Currently, Bogan Developments is on track to break ground on this new development in July 2022, with hopes to be finished in March 2023. The YMCA’s childcare center will plan to open in September 2023.