Former downtown church converted to lofts

 

Retrofitting an existing building into a new use is redevelopment at its purest.  That is the intention of developer Ted Schollenberger, President of Mineral Springs Development LLC for a new loft development.

Passionate about Mount Clemens, Ted is Chair of the Downtown Development Authority, President of the Mount Clemens Foundation and a member of Focus Macomb.  Aside from his civic involvement, he has made significant investments in Macomb County’s historic county seat beginning in 1996 when he purchased 2 Crocker Place, an office building across from city hall.  In 1997, he purchased 117 Cass and converted the dilapidated apartment building into office space.  In 1999, he acquired a former beauty college on Gratiot and it too was converted to office space. 

The success of his investments made it possible for Ted to expand into the residential market.  Using land on the river that formerly housed a VFW Hall, Phases I & II of the River Lofts are complete and feature traditional loft attributes including 17’ ceilings, masonry walls, concrete floors and exposed ductwork.  Only 10 of the 37-unit development are still available. 

His most recent will make renting an option for wannabe city dwellers.  Pine Street Place, located on the corner of New and Cherry, will be ready for occupants by February 1st. 

Built in 1908, the gothic structure began as the Gilbert Baptist Church, held merchandise for downtown merchant Prieh’s Department Store, barely survived a raging fire and most recently served as Mike Robinson Photography Studio.  Schollenberger purchased the property in May of 2007 and quickly set about getting the area declared a Neighborhood Enterprise Zone. 

Investing more than $350,000 in renovations, the square footage of the building has doubled and a new elevator, wiring, heating and plumbing systems and 40 additional windows are in place.  Six units will be available for rent or purchase, four one-bedroom and two two-bedrooms.  Each has a terrace or patio and will rent $800 or $1,200 per month. 

Says Schollenberger, “Downtown Mount Clemens has a lot to offer a resident; walking distance to a variety of great restaurants and bars, interesting shops and nearby offices.  My hope is that those who aren’t ready to make a purchase will move in, fall in love with the downtown and decide to stay on a more permanent basis.”

 

Other redevelopment news

 

Larry Garrisi of Sunshine Homes and Development invested nearly $1,000,000 to rehabilitate 48 S. Main Street in Mount Clemens.  Built in the art deco heydays in 1926, the enhancements compliment the building’s history with a modern touch including an elevator to all three levels, all new egress points, restored front entrance with cherry paneling and marble mosaic tile.  Today, the gleaming Oxford Building offers 6,000 square feet of office space with a majority of the space occupied by Aloia & Associates, P.C.  Approximately 2,700 square feet is still available.