MUSKEGON, Mich. — Work on the old Shaw-Walker furniture factory in Muskegon is officially underway, according to Parkland Properties of Michigan.
In a Facebook post on Wednesday, the firm said selective demolition and abatement work has begun at the property.
For the next few months, contractors will be abating and clearing out the buildings to get the property ready for construction.
"Our team is prioritizing interior work that must be completed before the colder weather arrives, before shifting our attention later this year to exterior work that can be performed through the colder months," the post said.
The old factory had been vacant since 1989. Parkland Properties purchased the site aiming to help the housing crisis in Muskegon.
Muskegon City Planning Director Mike Franzak said the old factory will be reconverted into 550 residential units and 20,000 square feet of residential space or commercial space.
On July 25, Parkland Properties posted on Facebook renderings for "The Shaw."
"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," said Franzak.
Jon Rooks, the construction manager at Parkland Properties, said the first phase of construction will be completed in about three years. He said the second phase of construction will begin before the first is complete and will be finished in four years.