An ambitious five-story mixed-use development project along Center Street in downtown South Haven has been given the green light.
Following a public hearing Monday, South Haven City Council members voted unanimously to endorse the project being proposed by South Haven-based Locker & Locker Properties.
“The proposal includes a five-story, mixed-use building with commercial properties, 29 residential spaces, 67 parking spaces and two public restrooms,” said Assistant City Manager Griffin Graham. “Waivers are being requested for the story height, the parking structure slope and for the landscaping. The project has been in the works for some time since 2021.”
The property in question is part of the former Hale block property along the 200 block of Center Street, a small portion of Phoenix Street and Quaker Street – where the Carpet Shop is located.
The developers tore down a portion of the former Hale block buildings two years ago and propose to tear down the Carpet Shop building – as well as two buildings along Phoenix Street that now house Johnny’s Jewelry and Century 21 real estate office. Those two offices are expected to be relocated in the meantime to the former N&R Department Store at Phoenix and Center Streets, which the Lockers purchased earlier this year.
The proposed complex is expected to contain restaurants and retail space on the first floor, a parking garage on the second floor and residential apartments and condominiums on the upper floors. The upper floor of the buildings will be recessed to prevent from blocking views, according to Adam Locker, co-project manager for the Center Street redevelopment project, which is expected to begin with engineering studies this fall, with actual construction to begin in 2025 and be completed in 2027.
In granting the planned unit development, city council members waived the height restriction for downtown buildings. Normally, the city only allows for buildings of 45 feet in height. The new development seeks a height of 61 feet.
Most people who attended the public hearing spoke in favor of the development.
“I am for this,” said downtown business owner Chris Campbell. “I think this is progress. We have an empty spot downtown,” he went on to say referring to the tear-down of the former Hale block two years ago which Locker now owns and wants to redevelop into the mixed-use retail, apartment complex.
“We’re all for this project,” said Derek Balser of Johnny’s Jewelry. “We have a vacant cavern downtown. … Let’s look for this project for what it is. It’s about a significant economic development for the central business district.”
“I think this will enhance our downtown,” said Amy O’Sullivan of South Haven. “How long do we want to stare at an empty hole in our downtown?”
Other residents, though, expressed concern about the the height of the proposed complex.
“You build from three stories to five. Can we not do this with less stories?” asked Laura Jager. “Taller, bigger, that’s not always progress.”
South Haven resident Lisa Veeck agreed. “I give the developers a lot of credit,” she said. However, she went on to say, “I think the height is too high. 62 feet is too high.”
In deliberating on whether to approve the development, city council members acknowledged concerns about the development but felt it should be given the go-ahead.
“Sometimes we have to take a risk,” council member Joe Reeser said.
“I like this project, it (the 200 block of Center Street) has been a challenging area,” said Mayor Scott Smith. “I’m excited to see this change.”
