By Tim Gwozdz
MiBiz Network

NORTON SHORES — A group of West Michigan investors is banking on a seven-acre plot at the busy intersection of Seaway Drive and Seminole Drive for a new mixed-use development.

Christened Eastowne of Norton Shores, the project encompasses a total of eight two- and three-story buildings and will include 300,000 square feet of first floor retail and office topped with second- and third-floor residential space.
Main Street Development President Bob Dykstra, project manager for Eastowne of Norton Shores, said the group of investors he represents was impressed with the location.

“It’s the entrance to Norton Shores, which is a super market. We feel it’s just a great location for a mixed-use environment. This is a better office and small retail location than it is a big box location.”

According to Dykstra, the investors involved in the project have worked on a number of office buildings in the Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo and Lansing areas as well engaging in a fair amount of residential projects.

Dykstra did not have a firm investment figure but he told MiBiz, “By the time it’s all said and done the overall investment will probably reach $25 million — maybe higher.”

The design of Eastowne of Norton Shores follows the urban village blueprint, creating a 24/7 environment and a sense of place that captures a small town feel.

“We’re going to have a village green with an amphitheater where we can do some small summer concerts. It would be an ice rink in the winter,” Dykstra said. “We’re trying to create a live-work environment.”

The development’s proposed residential component is comprised of 19 townhouses, 24 condominiums and 50 apartments.

“The townhouses and the condominiums will be very affordable. Some of them will be real large and geared toward people who might want to run a business right out of their location,” Dykstra said.

There are three structures now on the Eastowne site. The former Frank’s Nursery & Crafts building will be demolished. The 105,000-square-foot former Irwin’s Furniture Store will be renovated and become part of the project.
“It will be converted into mixed use,” said Dykstra. “We’ll have an athletic club in it that will be geared toward seniors.”
The third structure, now occupied by Muskegon Commerce Bank, has been designated as a restaurant space. The bank has secured another location on the property and will build a new corporate headquarters that will triple its current square footage.

Eastowne of Norton Shores already has received zoning approval and is moving forward. Construction on the first building — the Muskegon Commerce Bank corporate headquarters — should begin by August 1. A September start is slated for construction of a building to house an insurance company that has committed to the project.

Dykstra said local builders have expressed interest in the 19 townhouses, so that phase of the development could begin as early as third quarter 2004. Subsequent components could quickly follow as other developers come on line.
“We’re going to bring in some people with expertise in certain segments and they can develop those buildings themselves,” Dykstra said.

COPYRIGHT 2004. MIBIZ NETWORK.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

This article appeared in the June 28, 2004 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 Network, visit www.mibiz.com.