MUSKEGON, Mich. — On Wednesday, crews began work on the old Shaw-Walker Furniture factory in Muskegon. Parkland Properties of Michigan gave details on what is to come in the next few years.
Selective demolition and abatement work is underway, crews are also sandblasting the concrete columns with the plan of preserving the original structure and implementing them into the design of the new residential and commercial space.
"It will have the most amenities of anything in West Michigan, with a rooftop pool, two clubhouses, fitness center, restaurant and bar, hair salon, massage therapy, dog care, daycare, lots of retail," said Parkland Properties founder Jon Rooks.
The amenities will support the 550 planned residential units and the 900 people expected to call the property home.
The old Shaw-Walker factory has been waiting for its next chapter while sitting empty since 1989. The oldest parts of the factory were built around 100 years ago.
Crews are prioritizing interior work before colder weather arrives, as the sandblasting work would become difficult in the cooler months. Crews will then move to remove bricks and windows from the outside and build the new exterior.
"We're leaving things to tell the story of the history of the building. We'll repurpose some of the old windows into artwork, create a history and tribute room, telling the story of Shaw and Walker, starting this amazing company that grew from two men to the biggest furniture factory in the world at this location, and flourished for 90 years," said Rooks. "We're leaving the smokestack over here, which is another way to tell the story of this amazing history in this town."
The old factory's new life also comes as the area addresses its housing shortage.
"We're helping solve a housing crisis that is almost 3000 units needed in the next five years in Muskegon, but 9000 in the county," said Rooks.
Rooks founded Parkland Properties the same year the factory became abandoned and takes pride in keeping its legacy alive.
"It's been vacant for 35 years, so there's lots of small repairs to do, but this building is in incredible condition. Structurally, it's sound. It was built to support huge machinery and lots of inventory and lots of people, so it's way over built. It will outlast any building built today that's built from scratch," said Rooks.
Parkland Properties says the first stage of the project will be completed in three years time. The second stage will start before the first stage is finished and is expected to be completed in four years.
