MUSKEGON, Mich. — Plans to redevelop the old Shaw-Walker building in Muskegon are moving forward. After months of planning, the project was approved by the city on Tuesday.
"I think we'll see a lot of construction next year, and then the following year, I think we're going to see it open for business," said Muskegon city planning director, Mike Franzak.
Parkland Properties purchased the site aiming to help the housing crisis in Muskegon.
"This is an old furniture factory. It will be reconverted into 550 residential units and 20,000 square feet of residential space or commercial space," said Franzak.
Franzak said people are thrilled to see this project moving forward.
"We usually anticipate a lot of questions and concerns, but most of the feedback we've heard since this has gone public has been positive, and a lot of people in the neighborhood are really excited to see this building be renovated," said Franzak.
The building has been vacant since 1989 and the developer hopes to start work on the project in the fall. Franzak said construction will roll out in phases.
"As soon as the plans are approved, they're going to get to renovating the building. First phase, I believe, is upwards of 400 apartments and condos, and the second phase will be even more condos and some newly constructed townhomes too, around the perimeter of the building. They're anticipating the first phase of the construction to be finished in 24 to 30 months," said Franzak.
Construction on the full project is expected to take the next few years to complete.