Signature Associates

Mixed-use development, $3.2 million streetscape planned for Hazel Park

As Hazel Park plots to build a downtown, a proposed mixed-use development and $3.2 million streetscape plan could help move the vision forward.

A mixed-use apartment building with 33 units and 14,000 square feet of retail is planned for the site of a long vacant CVS store on John R. Road — the city’s main drag. In the coming weeks, crews will begin overhauling John R., slimming it from four lanes to three, widening sidewalks and adding parking and bike lanes from Eight Mile Road to the Chrysler Service Drive. Nine Mile Road from Dequindre Road to the Ferndale border at West End Street is also targeted for a road diet and repairs. The idea is to create pedestrian-friendly infrastructure as a foundation for new development.

“That is what we’re hoping to be the re-emergence of a downtown in Hazel Park,” Jeff Campbell, community development director for the city, told Crain’s.

Tucked along Detroit’s northern border, the Oakland County city has been overshadowed for many years by its vibrant neighbor to the northwest, Royal Oak, and more recently, Ferndale, with which it shares city limits to the west. Planners in the 3-square-mile city are adamant that Hazel Park is an up-and-coming place to be, and a budding restaurant scene and redeveloped race track are playing in its favor.

Construction of the new apartment building at 23722 John R. Road is expected to start soon. The four-story complex is being spearheaded by Lucky Ranger LLC, whose registered agent is Michael Lang, owner of Renshaw Lounge in Clawson.

Campbell said developers still need some engineering and planning approvals, but the project is expected to be done by late 2020.

“It is extremely exciting,” Campbell said. “The developers want to work with us to attract unique, destination businesses in Hazel Park.”

The apartment building would be kitty-corner to popular restaurants Mabel Gray and Latido at joebar. The old CVS building, which closed around 15 years ago, would be demolished. Woodward Detroit CVS sold the property to Lang in January 2018 for $750,000, according to property records.

Lang declined to comment on the new development.

The architect for the project is Ron & Roman LLC, based in Birmingham. Canton-based Cadillac Asphalt won the bid for John R. road work, expected to be complete before the end of the year. Work on Nine Mile is expected to be complete this season, but might get pushed until 2020, Campbell said. The road construction is being funded by a $939,000 federal grant and road bonds issued by the city.

Ed Klobucher, city manager for Hazel Park, said the new development and streetscape will “make the whole area pop” and hopefully lure millennials.

“There’s a lot of interest and excitement,” he told Crain’s recently. “We’re pleased to see that. Crime rates are low, housing values are up. It’s a good time to be in Hazel Park.”

Posted By: Crain’s Detroit Business on May 14, 2019.  For more information, please click here to read the source article.

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