Muskegon -
I've fallen behind on some updates on the west side. Lots of activity going on right now. Notably, in Muskegon:
1. Construction on the new Convention Center is off to a rocky start. First, the county commission voted to omit the prevailing wage aspects of the construction contracts on April 30. The commission referenced other nearby counties that no longer typically enforce prevailing wage - Kent County, Ottawa County...stating that it is an antiquated practice (source:
MLive). I don't disagree, but to me, this was also a clue that money was becoming a concern on the project. At the groundbreaking, held shortly after that decision on May 8, a group of about 60 union protesters stood peacefully nearby - but quite visible to the attendees of the ceremony - with pickets and an inflatable "fat cat." Where did they get that inflatable from - is it just something they keep stashed in a closet somewhere, and pull it out when they need it? Last week, the commission passed another cost-cutting resolution, this time to reduce the size of the center by 2,500 SF. According to MLive:
The union stuff will dissipate, but rising construction costs and contractor labor shortages have been hurting projects all over the state. This project is going to be a rough one, I think. These are not the images you want associated with your groundbreaking...
Images Source:
MLive | Kaylie Renie
2. In other (more positive) news, Western Place Condos is under construction at 241 and 251 W. Western Ave. (near the Farmers Market and HighPoint Flats). Did I miss this? It seems like it flew in under the radar. There was something about it in
April 2018.
Quote:
14 new condos under construction near Muskegon Farmers Market
Ben Solis | MLive
May 21, 2019
MUSKEGON, MI – Construction on 14 three-story condominiums has begun at property on West Western Avenue near the Muskegon Farmers Market in downtown Muskegon. Work recently began on Western Place condos, a new development by West Urban Properties LLC, owned by Grand Rapids developer Dave Dusendang. The condos are being built on two empty lots at 241 and 251 W. Western Ave...the plan is to construct tri-level condos with three bedrooms, 3 ½ bathrooms and finished garages. Construction is expected to be completed within the next seven to eight months, with exteriors to be finished by mid-August...
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Source:
MLive | Ben Solis
3. The downtown Holiday Inn will be rebranded as a Delta Hotel this month. More than just a name change, the rebranding comes with $8 million worth of upgrades, including three eating options. This is future-convention-center-adjacent, so it makes sense that the updates are happening now.
Quote:
Starbucks planned at downtown Muskegon Delta Hotel to open in June
Justine Lofton | MLive
May 13, 2019
MUSKEGON, MI – A renovated downtown Muskegon hotel will take its new name in June, when its two restaurants and a Starbucks are also expected to open. The Holiday Inn Muskegon Harbor, 939 Third St., will be rebranded Delta Hotel by Marriott. Acquiring the “upper upscale” flag for the eight-story, 201-room hotel involved $6 million in renovations and $2 million in infrastructure repairs, including fixing the roof and HVAC system, said owner Jon Rooks...
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Source:
MLive | Kayla Renie