GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY — The former Macy’s building at Grand Traverse Mall is being converted into a multi-tenant retail center featuring five separate businesses. Garfield Township officials confirmed that the project has moved into an active build-out phase.
The redevelopment is designed to transform the large vacant space into a strip center format. Unlike the traditional enclosed mall layout, this design will allow each of the five new businesses to be accessed directly from the exterior of the building. Township officials stated the project is intended to address the issue of vacant commercial properties in the area.
Construction crews are currently white-boxing the interior of the former Macy’s space. This process involves preparing the individual retail areas for future occupants. Each of the five planned businesses will feature its own exterior-facing storefront, allowing customers to access the shops directly from the outside rather than through the main mall corridors.
The redevelopment project also includes plans for the surrounding property. Garfield Township officials expect the development of additional out-lot buildings in the mall parking area at a later date.
Managing the transition of the property has presented difficulties. Officials noted that the mall’s ownership structure makes coordinating the redevelopment a challenge. Despite these hurdles, members of the township board expressed that the project is a positive step for the community. Board members noted that the township has struggled with too many vacant buildings sitting empty and viewed the active construction as an encouraging sign for local retail.
The building is expected to be ready for use soon. While the physical structure is nearing completion, Garfield Township officials stated there is no current timeline for when the five new tenants will move into their respective spaces.