The Saline Reporter
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Village Marketplace + Lofts project downtown goes vertical
Commerical, residential project under way
By Sue G. Collins, Staff Writer
PUBLISHED: March 20, 2008
More than 20 two-story-tall steel beams are being pounded into the ground at the future site of The Village Marketplace + Lofts near downtown Saline signaling the start of a six-month construction project by the developer, The Concannon Co.
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The pilings will plunge 3 feet or so into the ground to accommodate the process of cleaning up the underground waste left by a former filling station at the corner of West Michigan Avenue and Lewis Street.
The brownfield remediation should take about one week, said real estate developer Michael Concanon, and cost $500,000 to $600,000. Work on underground utilities will then commence, followed by the foundation footing and construction on the $9 million project.
"We intend to hand over a shell to retail tenants by August so they can open shortly thereafter," Concannon said.
There is still one of the larger retail units available at the west end of the development, where a restaurant was slated to open.
"We're in the process now of helping obtain a liquor license for that space, which will make it very attractive," Concannon said.
He said nearly all the retail space is leased and that he holds reservations for 10 of the 32 loft condominiums that will top off the multi-story complex.
Two months ago, three remaining buildings were demolished at the site of the former home of Steeb Dodge and a Clark gas station to make way for the new development.
Concannon says his company has agreements with Bear Claw Coffee, the Mind Body & Spirit Academe, Fitness Together personal trainer, Elements therapeutic massage, Planet Beach tanning, a health food store and King of Queens Coney Island.
Saline Mayor Gretchen Driskell reported at Monday's City Council meeting that she had recently met with Concannon, who brought her up to date on construction.
"He is very excited to be moving forward," she said. "There are still a few outstanding items due to the city, but we are happy remediation is under way."
There are currently two permits issued for the demolition and a sign at the site. Building permits have not yet been issued.
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