В центре Кингсли сносят пять зданий для создания нового смешанного жилого и коммерческого комплекса

KINGSLEY – A redevelopment project is taking shape in downtown Kingsley, with village and Downtown Development Authority leaders looking to build on what they say is already a vibrant community. Five buildings along West Main Street are being demolished to clear the way for future development. Village and DDA leaders are considering a mixed-use development that could include both housing and commercial space. Max Anderson, chair of the Kingsley DDA, said the project is not about fixing something that is wrong with the community but rather adding to an already flourishing community. “It’s not that Kingsley is missing anything. It’s that there’s an opportunity for Kingsley to add some things to a community that’s already, you know, very vibrant and, you know, healthy as it stands.” Anderson said the goal is to complement businesses that already exist in Kingsley rather than create unnecessary competition. “The intention is, of course, to create complementary businesses to other local businesses. It is not to create, you know, undue or unnecessary competition with what already exists.” The $500,000 grant from the Michigan State Land Bank Authority to the Grand Traverse County Land Bank Authority is helping fund property acquisition and demolition for the project. Once the buildings are removed, the village and DDA will begin the process of finding a developer. The current vision calls for a mixed-use development, potentially with housing above commercial space. Leaders say the final design will depend in part on community feedback. “We need to take into consideration what the community is looking for and kind of modernize this stretch of roadway without taking away the Kingsley small town vibe,” Kingsley Village Manager Charlie Jetter said. Residents will have multiple opportunities to provide input as the project moves forward, including before and after a developer is selected. Jetter said the investment reflects the strength of the Kingsley community. “The great community, the core values of the village and they want to invest in that because they know it’s worth it.” The demolition is expected to be completed by the end of September, with a developer expected to be selected by spring.