COLDWATER, MI — The Coldwater Planning Commission unanimously approved a special land use permit for a mix of indoor entertainment and specialty grocery at 410 Marshall St.
The former Family Fare/Felpausch building will be redeveloped into a “barcade”-style entertainment venue paired with an upscale, locally focused grocery market.
While a grocery store is permitted under city zoning, the entertainment component requires special land use approval.
Representatives Darrel Hoag and Brian Hagelshaw said the project aims to create a destination that serves all ages and keeps spending locally.
“Our goal is to create a multi-use space,” Hoag said. “We want friends, families, and kids to enjoy a variety of activities together.”
Plans include a bar and café in the southwest corner, along with an outdoor eating area.
Next to the bar are two indoor pickleball courts, four cornhole courts, an axe and dart throwing area, and a golf simulator.
The business already has a liquor license approved for the retail operation, Hoag said.
Monday’s planning meeting focused on approving indoor entertainment use.
Hagelshaw said about 20,000 square feet of the 40,000-square-foot space will house a specialty market, combining everyday staples with high-quality, locally sourced products.
The store will avoid wide brand duplication and instead highlight tri-state area products, in-house preparation, and fresh offerings, Hagelshaw said.
Hagelshaw, with two years of experience in supermarket management with Spartan Foods, plans to include a butcher shop and deli with prepared foods, as well as a bakery making breads, desserts, cakes, bagels, and fried doughnuts.
City planner Robert Hawley said the site is well-suited for redevelopment, noting that the property already has sufficient parking, lighting, and infrastructure from its previous use as a grocery store.
Multiple departments reviewed the proposal, and no major site changes or additional parking are needed.
Public notice was sent to neighboring property owners, and no comments were received.
Although only indoor entertainment is planned for now, commissioners expressed concern about potential noise from outdoor events if they are added in the future.
The commission added a condition limiting entertainment to indoors. Any future outdoor events would require an amendment and further review by the Planning Commission.
With this condition and standard requirements for signage and agency approvals, the commission approved the project.
Hoag said the company is awaiting state approval of an Obsolete Property Tax Abatement granted by the city council. The 12-year exemption reduces taxes by 50% on the improved value, then returns the property to the full tax roll at the end of the term.
Kev Kore Enterprises, owned by brothers Kevin and Korey Wischmeyer, purchased the building in October 2021. The developers plan to invest about $3 million to renovate the mostly vacant store, which closed in May 2021.
The project could open before the end of the year if plans proceed smoothly and equipment is delivered, according to Hoag and Hagelshaw.
Contact Don Reid, dReid@USATodayCo.Com
This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: Coldwater’s old Family Fare to become barcade, market
Reporting by Don Reid, Coldwater Daily Reporter / Coldwater Daily Reporter
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