TAYLOR AND STERLING HEIGHTS, MICH. — Advance Auto Parts has signed leases to open two new locations in Michigan. The auto parts retailer inked a lease for 20,250 square feet in the Taylor Commons shopping center in Taylor as well as 20,226 square feet at the Clinton Valley shopping center in Sterling Heights. Larry Siedell and Tjader Gerdom of Gerdom Realty & Investment represented the tenant. Eric Unatin of Mid-America Real Estate Group represented the landlord in the Sterling Heights lease.
By Jeff Karger, JLL There’s no doubt that the office market today is much different than what it was five years ago. Employers across the nation have had to adjust their work models, time and time again, to meet the needs of their employees — and those in Grand Rapids are no exception. As landlords, employers and employees adapt to these changes, it’s important to understand the direction of the office market. Below, check out five factors that are defining it. 1. A flight to quality Like many other cities across the nation, Grand Rapids is experiencing a resounding flight to quality. Employers are seeking Class A and trophy spaces to appeal to their employees and offer them an experience, rather than just a cubicle to work in. Some of these office features can include free fitness centers, onsite cafés, coffee shops and restaurants, outdoor terraces and more. Plus, according to JLL research, 59 percent of employees expect to work at a company that supports their health and well-being. Interestingly enough, employees prioritize this over salary — a key reason why companies and landlords alike are investing in amenitized spaces with up-to-date HVAC systems, exercise classes and healthy food options. …
DETROIT — Throwbacks Home, a subsidiary of Detroit-based furniture manufacturer Woodward Throwbacks, will open a 1,500-square-foot furniture showroom in downtown Detroit. With a focus on sustainable design, the showroom will feature furniture made in Detroit from reclaimed and recycled materials. The store will also carry a selection of designer homewares and furnishings. Throwbacks Home expects to open this month in its space at 35 W. Grand River Ave., which is owned by Bedrock. The location will be the only furniture showroom in downtown Detroit, according to Bedrock. Woodward Throwbacks maintains a warehouse in Hamtramck.
SHELBY TOWNSHIP, MICH. — Greystone has provided a $22.6 million HUD-insured 223(f) loan for the refinancing of Aria of Shelby in Michigan. The 96-unit multifamily property is located in Shelby Township, a northern suburb of Detroit. The newly built townhome community features two- and three-bedroom floor units across 18 buildings. Lisa Fischman of Greystone originated the loan on behalf of the borrower, an entity doing business as Aria of Shelby LLC. The fixed-rate loan features a 35-year term and a 35-year amortization. The borrower was also able to secure green certification through the National Green Building Standard, leading to a heavily reduced mortgage insurance premium. In addition to refinancing, loan proceeds enable the borrower to monetize a portion of the equity in the property.
ASHLEY, IND. AND FLAT ROCK, MICH. — Northmarq has brokered the sale-leaseback of three industrial buildings in Ashley, Ind., and Flat Rock, Mich., for $4.2 million. The properties total 35,000 square feet. Rob Gemerchak of Northmarq represented the seller, Royal Arc Welding, which executed new leases at the time of sale. A California-based developer was the buyer. Founded in 1983, Royal Arc Welding provides a range of industrial services including the design, installation, inspection and repair of overhead crane systems. Each of the properties includes office space, craned warehouse space and assembly operations.
By Andy Gutman, Farbman Group This is a complicated and even confusing time for anyone trying to make sense of the commercial real estate market. Conflicting economic indicators and pervasive concerns about inflation — and even the potential for a recession — create a somewhat cloudy outlook, even as promising opportunities remain in some markets. In the Midwest, there are noticeable market-specific differences that give a sense of just how much variability there is across the region. Taking a closer look at the commercial real estate in a city like Detroit — where the commercial real estate investment activity remains high — and comparing it with other Midwest markets in terms of retail activity, receivership rates, commercial real estate taxes, crime rates and urban revitalization efforts, can start to give us a better sense of how and why some Midwest markets are currently viewed as more favorable than others. It can also give us a feel for what investors and commercial real estate decision-makers are likely to be evaluating when they look at how to spend their dollars in the months and years ahead. Detroit looking good What is it about Detroit that makes it an appealing commercial real estate …
ROMULUS, MICH. — Peak Construction Corp. is underway on construction of Building C at Romulus Corporate Park in Michigan. Scannell Properties is the developer. The speculative building will span 243,770 square feet with a clear height of 32 feet, 30 dock doors, two drive-in doors, 40 trailer parking spaces and 156 car parking spaces. The project team includes architect Ware Malcomb and civil engineer PEA Group. Completion is slated for April 2023.
TROY, MICH. — L. Mason Capitani CORFAC International has relocated its headquarters from 2301 W. Big Beaver Road to 1111 W. Long Lake Road in Troy. The new headquarters also houses sister company Liberty Property & Asset Management. The two-floor office features open meeting areas, conference rooms, workstations and ample natural light. The space also includes Liberty’s construction and design center, which provides property owners and tenants the opportunity to select and approve plans, specifications and finishes for projects.
KALAMAZOO, MICH. — Kalamazoo Child and Family Counseling PLLC is opening a second location in West Michigan at The Atriums Office Park in Kalamazoo. The property is located at 4341 S. Westnedge Ave. Kalamazoo Child and Family Counseling is a mental health clinic dedicated to serving children and teens that have anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, grief and loss or disruptive behaviors. The practice’s primary office is in Portage. The new location will provide all the same services as the Portage location and is slated to open in November. Kara Schroer of NAI Wisinski of West Michigan represented both the undisclosed landlord and the tenant in the lease.
STERLING HEIGHTS, MICH. — Millennial Collection, a trading card and gaming store, has signed a lease for 1,600 square feet at Brookside Shopping Center in Sterling Heights. The tenant will occupy space formerly home to an arcade. Michael Murphy and Tjader Gerdom of Gerdom Realty & Investment represented the undisclosed landlord in the lease.