Updated June 20, 2012
The Downtown Development Authority in
Paw Paw has decided the former Ben Franklin store has sat vacant long enough.
The DDA purchased the two-story building that has three levels of space to be redeveloped. It features 4,500 square feet on the first- or street-level floor, 3,500 of retail space on the basement level, and 4,392 square feet of space on the second floor. The DDA closed on the property June 8 and spent nearly $66,330 on it, including closing costs.
The street-level space
at 210 East Michigan Ave. is large and could be divided into two businesses, says Village Manager Larry Nielsen. The second floor could house offices or loft apartments. And the basement-level formerly was used as retail space and could be again.
The building is now ready for redevelopment.
This purchase gives control of a prime downtown building to the DDA. "Now the DDA can work on finding a developer who will invest in the property and bring something that adds to the mix of businesses in downtown Paw Paw," says Roman Plaszczak, Village President and member of the DDA Board of Directors.
The DDA decided to step in to seek a developer for the property that has been vacant at least five years because it wants to find an owner that will provide the right mix of residential and commercial use that would be of most benefit to the downtown and its decision would not have to be based solely on the amount the buyer is willing to spend on the property.
As an example, the DDA could decide to sell to a potential purchaser who wants to buy the property for $25,000 and invest $125,000 in building renovations to establish a retail shop on the first and basement levels and convert the upstairs to two loft apartments and reject a purchaser willing to spend $50,000 to buy the property but who would put in only $25,000 in renovations for a resale shop on the first level and storage in the basement. The DDA could decide the first proposal is best for Paw Paw even thought the purchase price was lower.
DDA chairman John Schincairol says the DDA is committed to finding a business for the space and says it will be seeking proposals from those interested in establishing a business in Paw Paw. Solicitations from developers will be reviewed June 18 at the next DDA meeting.
"With all the Village has to offer, I wouldn't be surprised if the DDA is able to find an acceptable developer willing to purchase the building by the end of the year," Nielsen says. "That may be hopeful, but Paw Paw is a terrific place for a variety of types of businesses."
The Village of Paw Paw DDA is accepting proposals for the purchase and redevelopment of the property. Proposals will be accepted until 4 p.m. Aug. 22. They are be submitted to the Paw Paw Downtown Development Authority, 111 E. Michigan Avenue, Paw Paw, MI 49079.
The property is zoned CBD – Central Business District. The zoning generally permits commercial and office businesses on the first floor, basement levels and residential and office uses on the second floor.
Writer: Kathy Jennings, Second Wave Media
Source: Larry Nielsen, Village of Paw Paw
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