NORTON SHORES, Mich. — On Tuesday night, the Norton Shores Planning Commission will consider a plan that would demolish the vacant Kmart to make room for a healthcare building and apartments.
The Kmart closed in 2004. It was once the hub for shopping in the city. Now Norton Shores Mayor Gary Nelund says the building is falling apart and unsafe.
According to Nelund previous plans to develop the site for residential and commercial projects fell apart. The latest proposal for the property is more likely to be built.
It includes a new two story healthcare building for Mercy Health followed by a 126 unit apartment complex.
"It still has to go through the process at the city," said Nelund.
Nelund anticipates the plan will be passed by the planning commission and then presented to the City Council next week Tuesday.
The building is likely to be razed sometime late summer or early fall.
City officials have been told by Mercy Health the "ambulatory facility" would offer a significant number of services, and include a drive-thru pharmacy.
It could bring just over 100 jobs to the city.
"Now you have 110 people who need to buy their cup of coffee in the morning, get their lunch, that sort of thing," Nelund said.
The proposed healhcare building would be just across a parking lot from Mark Boertman's Toast 'N Jams restaurant.
"I think it's fantastic as far as business goes we love it," Boertman said. "I'll be looking forward to seeing some new customers and some new faces."
Nelund describes the five building apartment development as "upscale," with a pool, community building and dog park.
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