A development proposal to build 35,000 to 40,000 square feet of new retail space in southwest Detroit on what is now vacant city-owned land has won a Detroit Economic Growth Corp. selection process.
The quasi-public DEGC announced Wednesday, Oct. 8, that it has chosen the joint proposal from three metro Detroit developers for the 6-acre site near the busy intersection of Livernois and West Vernor Highway.
The developers are Detroit-based Queen Lillian Development and Tekton Development and Bloomfield Hills-based retail development firm Lormax Stern. The DEGC selected their proposal ahead of three competing plans.
The site, once a city Department of Public Works maintenance facility, is neighbors with the Southwest Outdoor Mercado flea market and across from two discount stores ― a Dollar General and a Dollar Center.
The developers’ proposal calls for a traditional retail strip center and three outparcel retail sites, according to the announcement. They aim to attract restaurants, a grocery store and other local and national tenants to the new development.
The project could break ground as early as fall 2026 with a potential spring 2028 completion.
“Our vision is to create a vibrant, walkable retail destination,” said Chris Jackson, managing partner of Queen Lillian Development, “anchored by a significant national tenant and complemented by a mix of local-serving businesses that reflect the unique character and culture of southwest Detroit.”
The developers’ plan, including the purchase of the city-owned site, is still subject to approval by Detroit City Council. The developers plan to pursue a Brownfield tax capture and other development incentives, the announcement said.
“Here you have two Detroit-based developers who know this community inside and out, paired with a retail firm that has the national connections to bring in the tenants residents want,” David Howell, vice president of Real Estate Services at DEGC, said in a statement. “Southwest Detroit has serious momentum right now. This project keeps that going.”
Contact JC Reindl: 313-378-5460 or jcreindl@freepress.com. Follow him on X @jcreindl
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Developers chosen for southwest Detroit retail vision
Reporting by JC Reindl, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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