Visions for Vacancy: What Would you Like to See in Place of Former Farmer Jack?
What type of store do you hope to see in this vacant building?
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Welcome to another edition of "Visions for Vacancies," where we visit a local vacant commercial building and ask you what you'd like to see go in that space.
Today, we're taking a look at the former Farmer Jack inside the Rainbow Plaza, located on the corner of 25 Mile and Shelby roads.
When anchor store, Farmer Jack, left the plaza several years ago, it left behind a 54,000 square foot empty leasing space.
In 2011, Center Management, bought the property and has since done exterior maintenance such as repaving the parking lot, to attract high-end retailers.
"We’re looking to doing some more work there and bringing in best possible tenant," said leasing agent Ron Estes.
Center Management President Tom Guastello told Patch a wholesale wine retailer has approached the company about occupying a small portion of the space to open a storefront.
But Guastello told Patch he would love to see another produce market, fitness center or even a big retail store such as TJ Maxx at the Rainbow Plaza.
Guastello, who also owns the Shelby Town Center on Hall Road, said one of the biggest hurdles his company must overcome is convincing retailers to invest in Michigan.
"We’re still having a problem with retailers who want to expand in Michigan when they hear homes sales are down – it doesn’t help the image of Detroit, so you have to show them how great Shelby is, by showing off the income and education levels of people around there," said the former Michigan state representative and a state senator.
You don't need to be a commercial developer or city planner — or have money to invest in a business project — to have the next great idea. We want to hear about it. What kind of business would you like to see occupy that space?
About this column: In highlighting vacant buildings in Shelby Township and Utica, we aim to help residents take a proactive role in planning and building their community. We'll take your feedback to public officials and property owners, to inform their decisions about future uses. Know of a vacant building we should highlight? Email marina.cracchiolo@patch.com.
Terry
9:04 am on Tuesday, April 3, 2012
If you would, could you look into the Farmer Jack at 59 and Mound. Let us know what's ahead or at least what's being talkd about for that location.
kim gamez
11:34 am on Thursday, May 17, 2012
They should convert this one to a McDonald's - there isn't one that's close. Maybe a McDonalds & Long John Silvers...
Laurie Brown
9:25 am on Tuesday, April 3, 2012
I'd love to see a big restaurant, a fitness center, or a another market of some sort. It is a great location and it is sad to see it vacant. It is also sad to see the older Farmer Jack location at 24 and Shelby vacant.
Jill Damron
4:42 pm on Tuesday, April 3, 2012
I thought that the 24 mile one would have something put in there by now. I can't believe that all the trees are being leveled on Shelby Pkwy to put what in there? Yet there are so many vacant buildings.
greg
11:28 am on Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Fitness center, or Whole foods!
dustin will
12:39 pm on Tuesday, April 3, 2012
powerhouse!!!
Rob
12:51 pm on Tuesday, April 3, 2012
I think a fitness center would do really great in that location, preferably a Planet Fitness!
caroline
1:01 pm on Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Kroger or Meijer...nearest one is miles away from my house (I live in the area)
Truthful Enquirer
12:00 pm on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
There's a Kroger one mile west on on 25 Mile, and Meijer is three miles northeast of this site. I don't think either will consider opening a store here. In my 20 years of living 1/2 mile from the site there have been four super markets, several pharmacies, a "dollar" store and even a pet store. It is a terrible location. On the northwest corner there was a fruit market where the restaurant now stands which went belly up and the current restaurant was originally FinTinis (sp), and two other restaurant's since then. The neighborhood lobbied years ago before the corner was developed to not allow any mall on that corner. A fitness center has yet to be tried and maybe that might work.
Krista Robinson
1:26 pm on Tuesday, April 3, 2012
They won't put a Kroger or Meijers there, since Meijer's is 3 miles away @ 26 & VanDyke & there is a kroger a mile up 25 @ Dequindre. A Whole Foods or Trader Joes would be a nice addition.
Karen R.
1:36 pm on Tuesday, April 3, 2012
A Whole Foods or Trader Joe's or a gourmet produce/wine market would be great. Especially a place that showcases Michigan made/ USA made items would be awesome to help support our state/country. Definitely no to a TJMaxx type store. Please try to keep Shelby Twp. family friendly (given trail nearby that a ton of people use), green, and up with the times! No more plazas with dollar stores, smoke shops etc......
Jeffery Berz
2:45 pm on Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Trader Joe's would be GREAT!
Jill Damron
4:39 pm on Tuesday, April 3, 2012
I have always said Trader Joes would be nice there, and I see I am not the only one who thinks that! Or a Longhorn restaurant, but the bldg is probably too big for that
Cassie G
12:58 am on Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Trader Joe's please. And for future township development I'd love to see a Shelby Twp rec center (like the Macomb Twp one) with an outdoor cement skateboard park, kiddie splashzone/pool area on the old proving grounds.
kim klee
3:42 am on Wednesday, April 4, 2012
I would love to see a bingo hall !!!
Barbara Kiel
7:45 am on Wednesday, April 4, 2012
I love the idea of a fitness center! Sadly with all the other grocery stores in the area as competition and not being on a major road, grocery stores will not be interested. Traders Joes has repeatedly turned down many Shelby Twp locations BTW...
Allstate Insurance: Steve Long Agency
7:08 pm on Wednesday, April 4, 2012
We are in this plaza as well and would love to see the spaces filled! Please feel free to contact us directly for a complimentary policy review. You may stop in with your insurance pages to compare prices anytime. Allstate Insurance 248-608-3000
carol jeffers
1:03 am on Thursday, April 5, 2012
A place for people to bring there dogs and let them have fun.one for little dogs and one for bigger ones . People could also have a place to walk around with there dogs with a prentend park, trees, bench, place for them to swim.It would bring in big money! people love to spend money on there dogs, to make them happy!!. they could mingle with people also.it be a all yr round thing.And they could be a member or pay by the hr.lot of things for the dogs to play on.Let's hear it for all you dog lover out there! for are dogs!!!!!