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An artist's rendition of the Village Marketplace and Lofts, a 60,000-square-foot development to be located at the corner of Michigan Avenue and Lewis Street.
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The Saline Planning Commission voted unanimously last Thursday to approve a revised site plan for a retail and residential development expected to change the face of downtown Saline.
Michael Concannon, developer of the Village Marketplace and Lofts, to be located at the corner of West Michigan Avenue and Lewis Street, presented elevations and plans for the fourth time, promising to add landscaping and a large clock to the façade of the 60,000-square-foot mixed-use development.
Concannon said 95 percent of the retail space is leased and that he has some interest in the loft residences, though no contracts at this time.
"The west end of the marketplace will be health and wellness destination-oriented businesses, while the east end will be dining and food," he said.
Concannon has commitments from Bear Claw Coffee, a personal training studio called Fitness Together, Raisin River Health Foods, Elements Therapeutic Massage, a tanning and spa studio, Mind, Body + Spirit Academy and a family restaurant.
"The family restaurant will anchor the east end and will serve American classics, good desserts and confections," said Concannon, who hopes to have the building framed by October.
The west end will be anchored by a fitness facility offering by-the-hour exercise classes and space for public meetings.
Architecture Argued
Representatives of the Saline Historic District Commission and neighbors from West Henry Street spoke about the architecture and parking for the retail and residential site that has proved controversial since Concannon brought his plans to the city in 2005.
"Overall, the cadence and rhythm of the streetscape has improved (from the last plan)," said Ron Koenig, chairman of the commission. "It's very interesting and a lot of thought and care has been taken with this design."
Koenig noted that his comments were his own personal reflections and that other members of the commission had not yet seen the plans.
Koenig earlier stated that he valued the dialogue among the developer and city groups.
"We don't want to slow things down, but do want to be clear that some residents of West Henry Street continue to voice their distaste with the new facility," he said.
Morey Church, a member of the commission, said he is concerned about how neighbors will be impacted by delivery truck traffic along West Henry Street.
Sharon Wolford lives in a historic house that will abut the new parking lot.
"This whole thing just slid through and I am sick about it," she said after the meeting. "It will be an eyesore and I don't think these strip-mall businesses will help revitalize the city or make it a destination."
Concannon said project architects Hobbs & Black of Ann Arbor researched the historic buildings in downtown Saline to blend the historic elements with modern, "market-friendly" materials that will appeal to loft residents for the revised plans.
"I foresee empty-nesters and young couples enjoying the condominiums," he said of the second- and third-floor units available. Underground parking will serve residents and business tenants.
Staff Writer Sue G. Collins can be reached at 429-7380 or scollins@heritage.com.
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