JACKSON, MI – Numerous projects are planned for downtown Jackson – from revitalizing the Hayes Hotel to building a headquarters for Commonwealth Associates.
But so far, only one major project is under construction – the Lofts on Louis, 209 W. Louis Glick Highway.
The four-story, 47,000-square-foot mixed-use complex has a roof on it and will open for tenants in spring 2018. Developers put the progress on display during a hard-hat tour on Friday, Sept. 22.
The upscale development has roughly 8,500 square feet of usable first-floor commercial space and 30 apartments on the top three floors. The 18 two-bedroom apartments are roughly 1,100 to 1,200 square feet while the 12 one-bedroom spaces are about 750 to 800 square feet, Managing Partner Nicholas Dyc said.
How does Jackson change its fortunes and become a thriving, desirable city of the 21st century? There’s already a plan in place.
“It’s more progressive with an industrial theme,” Dyc said. “I’m not from Jackson, but Jackson’s sort of been a blue-collar town. An industrial, modern, lean look was the goal.”
Dyc and Grand River Brewery Owner John Burtka are partners on the project. While no prices have been set yet, Burtka previously estimated the market-rate apartments would cost just more than $1 per square foot.
Applications aren’t being accepted yet, but people can keep up with progress and updates on Facebook.
The Lofts on Louis broke ground on Nov. 4. The project was expected to take one year to complete. Despite not being ready until next spring, those involved with the project say it’s on schedule.
Original intentions for the commercial space was an urban grocery, however, no tenant has been selected yet.
The top three floors will be identical, with one elevator and two staircases provided for tenants. Multiple lobbies and a bike garage will also be provided, Dyc said.
For Dyc, this is his first time being part of a major development project. His day job is working as an emergency room doctor at Henry Ford Allegiance Health.
“I work with a lot of young doctors and young professionals who are interested in living downtown,” Dyc said. “There really, in my mind, was a huge demand for it and not a lot of supply. So I wanted to help create the supply.”
Kincaid Henry, the development group on the project, is in the early stages on more projects in Jackson after the early positive response to the Lofts on Louis, Owner Ryan Henry said.
“Our vision is to transform Michigan cities,” Henry said. “I hope that this is helping do that. I think it is.”
The empty parcel at 209 W. Louis Glick Highway in downtown Jackson is another step closer to becoming a four-story urban grocery store and apartment complex.
The $5.4 million project was aided by a $1.3 million performance-based loan from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. The project also is receiving a nine-year property tax abatement from the city of Jackson.
The city paid $320,000 for properties along N. Jackson Street and Louis Glick Highway. It also covered demolition costs to take down the former K&J Tire and Auto Services and Jackson Comedy Club buildings. The land at 209 W. Louis Glick Highway was sold to developers for $1.