Saginaw will soon have its first mixed-use developments on the way. “The Square” and Beltmill developments are coming to northern Saginaw and will feature new restaurant venues, retail spaces, and homes for the community.
Work is already underway on The Square, a 27.5-acre site between Saginaw Boulevard and Old Decatur Road. Farooq Wazilrali, the managing partner for The Square development, says the company is in negotiations to bring a Japanese hibachi eatery and a seafood restaurant to the project.
“We’re hoping The Square will become the center of Saginaw,” said Wazilrali. “The idea is to bring everything in one development: multi-family, commercial, restaurants, and a park.”
Construction has also begun on the 115-acre Beltmill development, which will include a mix of restaurants, multi-family, and single-family homes, senior living, and retail. It will be located on the northeast corner of Saginaw Boulevard and Bailey Boswell Road.
“Both are going to generate a lot of excitement,” said Keith Rinehart, the Director of Community and Economic Development for the City of Saginaw. “They bring something that Saginaw lacks right now which is retail and restaurants.”
City Manager Gabe Reaume said that having sit-down restaurants is a top priority for Saginaw. As an example, he cited an incentive agreement the city has with AM & JK Development, which will provide $2 million in grant money for construction costs.
To receive the funding, the developer must meet all requirements, including proof of work, and the agreement stipulates that two of the restaurants must be sit-downs.
Even though Rinehart says that the Economic Development Department has only been around for three years, there are big plans for the future, including a single-family housing, restaurant, and retail space just purchased on the corner of East McElroy Boulevard and Blue Mound Road.
“Residents have been requesting more sit-down restaurants, we have enough fast food,” he said. “I mean, you wouldn’t want to have to drive 20-30 minutes just to sit down at a nice restaurant, would you?” With that in mind, the City of Saginaw continues to build on what’s to come.