FORT GRATIOT TOWNSHIP, MI — Current and former Birchwood Mall tenants say ongoing maintenance issues have affected their businesses, while mall management says it continues investing in repairs and improvements and township officials remain hopeful about the shopping center’s future.
Several business owners described roof leaks, heating failures, plumbing problems and other maintenance concerns they say affected daily operations.
Among them is Stephanie Seaman, owner of KG’s Elite Elevations and KG’s PlayTheory, who said she invested roughly $150,000 into a planned family entertainment center before receiving an eviction notice in May.
Former tenants Judy Freeze and Kellie Johnson also described maintenance issues ranging from HVAC failures to sewage backups before relocating their businesses to Marysville.
Summit cites repairs and improvements
In a statement provided to the Times Herald, Summit Properties USA said it has made “significant investments in infrastructure and tenant recruitment” since assuming management of Birchwood Mall less than two years ago.
“Birchwood Mall has served as a community anchor for nearly 40 years,” the statement said. “Our on-site management team is actively overseeing roof repairs, HVAC maintenance and parking lot upgrades, while also addressing long-standing capital needs.”
The company said it remains committed to improving the mall for tenants, patrons and the community.
Township sees long-term value
“Birchwood Mall has long been an important part of Fort Gratiot Township and the surrounding region,” said Fort Gratiot Township Supervisor Rob Montgomery. “For decades it has served not only as a retail destination, but also as a gathering place for residents and visitors.”
Montgomery said the mall continues to contribute to the local economy through property taxes, employment opportunities and the customer traffic it brings to nearby businesses.
“While retail trends have changed significantly over the years, the property remains a major commercial asset within the township,” Montgomery said.
Tenants describe maintenance issues
Seaman said she signed a lease in January 2024 after being assured roof leaks inside her planned family entertainment center would be repaired.
She said multiple lease amendments delayed her opening while repairs were being completed. Seaman said she eventually opened portions of the business but continued experiencing roof leaks and heating problems.
“We also have no heat,” Seaman said. “I have six HVAC units and only one works.”
Seaman estimated she invested roughly $150,000 into the business and said an outside investor later withdrew plans to invest more than $1 million into trampoline attractions after repairs remained unresolved.
“This is my life savings,” Seaman said.
Seaman said she has retained an attorney, who she said plans to send Summit a settlement demand with a 30-day response deadline. If the matter is not resolved, Seaman said her attorney intends to file a lawsuit.
Former tenant Judy Freeze, owner of Lizzi Jayd’s Salon, said roof leaks, heating problems and other maintenance concerns contributed to significant financial losses before she relocated her business to Marysville earlier this year.
“We had the same things,” Freeze said. “Leaking, no heat.”
Freeze said revenue declined roughly 60% during her time at the mall.
Former tenant Kellie Johnson, owner of Salem’s Rocks & Crystals, described recurring plumbing issues, water damage and sewage backups during her time at Birchwood Mall.
“My sewage started coming up,” Johnson said.
Not all tenants interviewed reported problems with their units, and several businesses continue to operate inside the mall.
Questions remain about Birchwood Mall’s future
Ownership and management of Birchwood Mall have changed several times in recent years.
Previous reporting states New York-based Kohan Retail Investment Group purchased the mall in 2021 for $5.6 million.
Current St. Clair County parcel records list the property owner as Birchwood Mall Realty Holding LLC, while Summit Properties USA manages leasing and operations at the property.
Despite differing views on the mall’s condition, both township officials and mall management said they hope to see Birchwood Mall continue attracting businesses and serving the community in the future.
Contact reporter Andy Jeffrey at ajeffrey@usatodyco.com.
This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: Birchwood Mall tenants say unresolved repairs drove businesses away
Reporting by Andy Jeffrey, Port Huron Times Herald / Port Huron Times Herald
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By Andy Jeffrey, Port Huron Times Herald | USA TODAY Network
