Packard Square project moves toward demolition of ex-Georgetown Mall
The graffiti on the former Rite Aid store in early September.
Melanie Maxwel | AnnArbor.com
“We recognize that progress may not be apparent from the viewpoint of Packard Road,” attorney Bruce Measom wrote in an email to the city’s planning staff.
“…We are working diligently toward the goal of accomplishing the demolition this fall, with construction to begin shortly thereafter.”
Measom represents developer Craig Schubiner in the effort to demolish the 84,000-square-foot vacant shopping center at 2502 Packard.
The city approved plans to replace it with Packard Square, a $49 million project with both ground-floor retail spaces and 230 apartments.
Original plans called for late August demolition. Now neighbors, who are watching progress on the site closely, are hoping it happens this month.
“I always thought the end of August was a bit optimistic,” said Mary Krasan.
However, it could take a few more months. Measom said the developers have been finalizing a state grant that will fund part of the demolition. They sought $2.18 million. Other assistance coming to the project includes $2 million in approved tax increment financing.
“As soon as this grant is received, which is anticipated in the next 60 days, the plan is to proceed to demolition as soon as possible thereafter,” Measom said in the email from this week.
Measom updated the city weeks after a sign advertising retail leasing on the site was posted along Packard and a wave of graffiti appeared on the former Rite Aid in late August.
“We have been painting over the graffiti and cleaning up the site to keep up the appearance until demolition can begin,” he wrote.
On the retail front, co-listing broker Joe Locricchio of Insite Commercial said early feedback “has been nothing but positive.”
Locricchio said the site’s convenience and accessibility — for vehicles and non-motorized transportation — are among its attributes.
“It’ll be surrounded by residences,” he said, “and there’s a good road network there.”
While leasing could take several months due to the construction timetable, Locricchio said he expects tenants in the 24,000-square-feet of storefront space to provide a mix of neighborhood retail and services.
“We’d like to have a specialty market,” he said.
Pricing for the spaces is $16-26 per square foot, he added.
As Packard Square developers aim for a spring 2013 opening, the next steps include turning off utilities for demolition, finalizing construction pricing, and obtaining the state funds.
Krasan said she and other neighbors still hope that the project stays on track.
"I know they want to get this off the ground as much as we want them to get it off the ground," she said.
Comments
Veracity248
Tue, Sep 20, 2011 : 5:55 a.m.
Just Wondering, Has anyone seen a Signed Developers agreement with the City? The Unsigned copy (Draft) I saw included a large donation to the Parks and Recreation. Sure bet they could use that money now! Then there is that old issue : Unpaid Back Taxes. Mr. Meason opined that this delay resulted from a pending appeal with the michigan tax tribunal. this however was a couple of months ago, and a check of the tax tribunials web site did not list this appeal. Hopefully our City Hall People are on top of this stuff and make a formal statement with regard to these issues soon! Obtaining Permits (to do anything) Must not be allowed unless and until the city fully discloses.
swcornell
Mon, Sep 19, 2011 : 3:22 p.m.
This is how we need to tackle our failing economy, one blighted neighborhood at a time. We, the big we, have allowed for too long properties to be used, contaminated and then abandoned by big business. Now we just have to deal with it. (A good thing UofM picked up the Warner Lambert/Pfizer property for a song and a dance). I'm glad this project is moving forward, be damned the politics!
tdw
Sun, Sep 18, 2011 : 11:35 a.m.
Ah yes, the the much anticipated attack on Synder.So using the same non-logic,has nothing to do with it mentality.Of all those people who worked there and have lost their jobs, how many of them became unemployed on Synder's watch ? ( hint none ) and how many got the ax when Jenny was in charge ? ( hint all of them )
Sparty
Mon, Sep 19, 2011 : 3:46 a.m.
I'd think a lot since unemployment has gone up every month of Richie's reign of terror despite his taxing of pensions, higher individual income taxes, lower business taxes, and now lower proposed business property taxes all reducing education and municipal funding. I guess he's spent to much time increasing governments reach into local and personal areas such as domestic partner issues, body weight reporting and tracking at the state level,union issues, etc.
CincoDeMayo
Sun, Sep 18, 2011 : 7:53 p.m.
If Granholm is to be called Jenny, let's be fair and call Snyder, Richie.
Basic Bob
Sun, Sep 18, 2011 : 4:54 a.m.
We have a history in this state of abandoning environmental disasters and leaving behind land, once prosperous, that can no longer be sold due to the high cost of remediation. Go to any big or small city in the state and you will find empty shells of factories, concrete pads surrounded by chain link fence, former gasoline stations and dry cleaners. In our imperfect world, the community and the government are stuck with the cleanup, or it is allowed to decay in perpetuity, like many parts of Detroit, Flint, downriver, or East Michigan Avenue in Ypsilanti. We should be grateful that the current owner is still willing and able to participate in the cleanup and renovation rather than just walking away like so many others. Even if he doesn't bear the full cost on his own.
Cathie
Sat, Sep 17, 2011 : 11:24 p.m.
It will create too much traffic on Page.
Sparty
Sun, Sep 18, 2011 : 4:14 a.m.
That's a good reason to stop a clean up of contaminated soil leaching into the cities water supply, creating a city blight, and stopping the development of a multiple-million dollar retail and residential complex. ARE YOU CRAZY?
serene
Sat, Sep 17, 2011 : 7:43 p.m.
Sounds like the developer is stalling for time. With his track record, it makes me wary how this project will play out. BTW, can someone tell me if the age old question of back taxes on this property has been paid yet? So will a portion of the state grant be used to pay off taxes too?
Sparty
Sun, Sep 18, 2011 : 4:16 a.m.
Yes, back taxes had to be paid prior to getting city and county approval, grants, and recommendations for state grants on the environmental cleanup.
Sparty
Sat, Sep 17, 2011 : 6:58 p.m.
So glad this Packard Square project is moving forward. Not only is it a blight in an otherwise nice area, but the environmental contamination issues will finally be addressed, the criminal activity will be eliminated, and a start on a taxable income generating base for the city and state can be looked forward to. LOL about the graffiti being offered to the Mayor for local art instead of the millions he pays for foreign installations around town. It's sad though that local talent isn't being displayed in our city and offered for sale instead of the Mayor's cabal spending resources through their special fund instead of on necessary things like police and firemen.
A2Monty
Sat, Sep 17, 2011 : 6:52 p.m.
It sure is a blight to the neighborhood and am glad something is being done about it. The location is good and would think shops and such would do well. I guess it does come down to who is paying for what though. Hope it all gets ironed out soon. \
belboz
Sat, Sep 17, 2011 : 3:06 p.m.
The problem with using public money is that, the businesses who are surviving on their own will now feel the pinch with new competition in an already struggling real-estate market. If the private investors do not feel it value added to pay for these projects on their own, then why is the government? Many other local governments and townships forced the demolition of public eyesores. I would think the same could be done here. The state of the complex should have been taken into consideration when purchasing. The market has not dictated the need for a new development, so why is one being generated? Is someone going to ask for public assistance to tear down or redevelop Border's headquarters? If Zingerman's owned it, I guess they would.
Sparty
Sat, Sep 17, 2011 : 6:52 p.m.
How about city water supplies being contaminated near residential communities - does that suffice?
Jake
Sat, Sep 17, 2011 : 2:02 p.m.
At least it's colorful and tastefully done graffiti! I'm surprised no one saw or heard the graffiti 'artists' as they were creating their masterpieces...
Bob Bethune
Sat, Sep 17, 2011 : 2:02 p.m.
If you think it's blighted now, wait five years. These people have a proven track record of failure.
Tom Teague
Sat, Sep 17, 2011 : 1:49 p.m.
Good. The site is a real blight on the neighborhood. The developers might be able to raise additional investment capital from the neighbors by raffling off tickets to operate the wrecking ball for five minutes. I'm good for at least a dozen chances to win that honor.
Urban Sombrero
Sat, Sep 17, 2011 : 1:38 p.m.
Good. It's become an eyesore. Hopefully, though, we won't end up with a ginormous hole there with nothing to fill it. Construction in this town seems to take ages, or stall out/stop completely. Let's hope that's not the case here.
tdw
Sat, Sep 17, 2011 : 1:37 p.m.
Can I buy the wall w/ the graffiti ? ( I'll call it art and sell it to the city for a couple hundred grand )
zax
Sat, Sep 17, 2011 : 1:26 p.m.
taking care of the landscaping and parking lot would add a lot to it's appearance also.
zax
Sat, Sep 17, 2011 : 1:24 p.m.
Why spend time and money to cover the graffiti when that is not the problem. Actually imo the graffiti is the best looking part of the whole ugly eyesore. covering the graffiti in beige and expecting it to look much better is expecting lipstick on a pig to make a substantial correction in the pig's appearance. I am really glad that the project is moving forward. Kudo's to all the people involved.
craigjjs
Sat, Sep 17, 2011 : 12:43 p.m.
Why are we giving millions of dollars to this developer to replace one boondoggle with another?
Sparty
Sat, Sep 17, 2011 : 6:50 p.m.
Because its an environmental and economic disaster that once repaired will once again generate terrific income for the city and state and clean up a potentially dangerous ground water contamination that is affecting A2 water supply.