walkermat

In chain restaurant news, Houlihan's recently closed in Breton Village. https://www.mlive.com/business/2019/12/grand-rapids-houlihans-location-closes-its-doors.html

I had a feeling that would happen. I thought it was interesting they converted the Abercrombie Kids store into Hollister (thus vacating its original space in the Sears wing) about a year or two ago. The (same?) thread I saw had a comment that mentioned a manager indicating they "may" open a store at Woodland sometime in 2020. There is some undeveloped space in the new wing so it's totally plausible. Abercrombie's new store design is pretty cool and is smaller than the white/blue format that is (was) at Rivertown. To your point though, I to wonder what Brookfield is planning, if anything, for Rivertown.

I agree Greenridge as a whole is a relic from the 90s that is in need of a serious facelift. I know AMC renovated the interior recently of the Star Theater but the exterior could benefit from a good powerwash and a coat of fresh paint! However, per the latest Walker Planning Commission Target is planning on updating the exterior of its store on Alpine (link below). I'm not sure if they'll renovate the interior. I'm originally from the Saginaw and their Target just did a renovation inside and out, with it looking similar to the renderings from the meeting minutes (link below). https://ciwalkermi.civicweb.net/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Org=Cal&Id=705

Interesting! I live in the Centennial Park area behind it. I've noticed over the past 1-2 months a couple of construction dumpsters behind it, I was under the impression it was being renovated? In light of this though I'm not so sure. Either way- my hope is that a new developer does come in. The location is great indeed! I'm thinking it would be cheaper to knock it down and start over. That may be wishful thinking on my part though because I hate that building. It looks more like a school or nursing home than a mid-tier hotel.

I guess that is a potential market for the Castle but I'm not sure if their leases allow for students, who usually want an academic year only lease. I could be wrong but I'd think most college students wouldn't want to live in something that gaudy anyway.

In local mall news, it appears Brookfield Properties has acquired the former Younkers at Rivertown Crossings. Wonder if they have any plans for it? http://www.shoppingcenterbusiness.com/the-latest-news/a-g-realty-completes-auction-of-several-properties-formerly-owned-by-the-bon-ton-stores

Was there this weekend. If you enter/exit the mall through the temporary entrance (behind Celebration Cinema) they have the barrier wall up with a couple of viewing walls for you to "peek" in and see the progress. The mall expansion and Von Maur wing is just one huge open space right now, only concrete and framework. I'm assuming they're working on getting as much exterior work done before winter really hits then they'll start the interior.

Chik-Fil-A. City of Walker documents had it included about a month or so ago.