[deja vu]

Muskegon -

I'm honestly having a hard time keeping track of all of the development news coming out of the Muskegon region lately. There is an excitement and a buzz here that has only grown through 2020. It is fun to watch 50 years of disinvestment continue to be reversed. I'd wager that outside of Grand Rapids (and maybe Holland) the Muskegon-area is investing more in development than any other region on the west side of the state right now. Muskegon City Manager Frank Peterson - along with the city's Economic Development Director Jake Eckholm - have been leading the charge. All signs point to momentum continuing into 2021. Most of the new development has been focused along Western Ave.

Here's some other things gleaned over the past few weeks -

1. 2020 Development Recap

COVID-19 slowed but didn't stop construction boom in Muskegon's downtown
The construction projects in Muskegon's downtown include a convention center, along with high-end and affordable housing.
Jon Mills | WZZM
December 28, 2020

(visit link for video - you can see Frank speaking with WZZM reporter Jon Mills)

2. Marijuana Facility Planned for former Shaw-Walker Factory

Large marijuana grow operation recommended for sprawling old factory in Muskegon
Lynn Moore | MLive
December 16, 2020

MUSKEGON, MI – A large-scale marijuana growing and processing operation could go into the vacant portion of the old Shaw-Walker factory in Muskegon, a section of which currently houses condos. The Muskegon Planning Commission has endorsed a request by the building’s owners to be zoned for all types of marijuana licensing. The building, which houses the Watermark Lofts condominiums, Coffee Factory restaurant and the Watermark 920 Conference Center, was already placed in a district that allows for marijuana retail sales...

Source: MLive | Lynn Moore

3. Former Nugent Sand Mining Site Acquisition

New 200-acre park on Lake Michigan could open next year near Muskegon
Lynn Moore | MLive
December 4, 2020

MUSKEGON, MI – A new 214-acre “quiet” recreation area on Lake Michigan and featuring a large inland lake near Muskegon could be open to the public next year. The project to transform the former Nugent Sand mining operation into Dune Harbor Park got a large boost Thursday when it was recommended for a $5 million Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant. It received the highest ranking out of 37 applications for land acquisition...

The land is loosely bounded by Sherman Boulevard, Lincoln Street, and Seminole Road in the city of Norton Shores and represents about 1/3 mile of Lake Michigan frontage. This would be cool because it would be so close to the city of Muskegon, even within walking & biking distance for some residents.










Source: MLive | Marge Beaver / Photography Plus

4. 1204 and 1148 W. Western Ave. Redevelopment

Developer has ‘ambitious’ plans for former industrial property on Muskegon Lake
Rose White | MLive
December 3, 2020

MUSKEGON, MI — More than 30 acres of a former industrial site on Muskegon Lake will be transformed into businesses, homes and a marina in plans from a local developer. Ryan Leestma of Leestma Management LLC says he currently has two waterfront parcels on West Western Avenue under contract, and he expects to close the deal in early 2021. Concepts being considered for the site include plans for a marina, mixed-use residential space, a restaurant and single-family homes...

This is the former site of Westran Austin Trailer Division and Michigan Steel (demolished in 2014). It is one of several key properties that the city has been targeting for redevelopment, as Muskegon Lake transitions from an industrial hub to a mixed-use, live-work destination. Definitely one to keep an eye on!


Source: MLive