MONTAGUE, Mich. - The developer who wants to transform several vacant lots in downtown Montague discovered the community while on vacation eight years ago.
Dean Weaver's vision for the space bordered by Dowling, Ferry, Water and Church Streets could transform the community.
"The opportunity is tremendous here," said Weaver.
Currently only grass is growing on the empty lots adjacent to the city's famous weathervane.
A residential and commercial development called the Lakeside City Center of Montague is proposed for the site.
The buildings will include designs elements inspired by locations Weaver visited while traveling in Europe.
"I want to create a walkable city center," said Weaver.
The development will include green space, a community fire pit, an open-air market, a brew-pub and rows of narrow condominiums.
The market will likely be the first built. It will offer long and short-term space to artists, farmers, and small business owners.
"This development will take five to six, to maybe even possibly eight years to build out," said Weaver.
And as it's still being designed, he's looking for community partners who have a passion and a vision for the Montague's downtown.
The total investment on the site could be between $8-10 million.
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the WZZM 13 app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@wzzm13.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter.