Cornfield suburbs across Metro Detroit are trying or proposing to build downtowns. Think Novi and Warren. But while these municipalities are doing the heavy lifting for such developments, a local couple is playing a key part in reinvigorating Northville's historic downtown.
Margene and Bob Buckhave have spearheaded the development of Northville Square on the west side of the city's downtown. They have been so successful that the refurbished mini mall is 60 percent leased with two new businesses set to open before the end of the summer.
The Northville Square building, 133 West Main St., was originally opened as a mall in 1973. However, that venture didn't pan out and it wasn't long until the Michigan Association of Gift Salesmen took over the structure and turned it into a place for store owners to purchase goods.
The building wasn't open to the public and didn't garner the foot traffic for downtown that it once promised to do. Twenty five years later the Buckhaves are returning it to its original use. There are now a number of restaurants, retail businesses and offices open in the 90,000 square feet of space. Miss Harriet's Dance Studio and the Chase Bar 7 Grill are set to open there in August with more expected in the future.
"We have been talking with several people," Margene Buckhave says. "We are talking to a wine shop, an ice cream shop, a flower shop and an art gallery."
Those news businesses seem likely to help enliven the west side of downtown, along with other nearby businesses such as longtime local favorite Garden Views.
For information on Northville Square, call (248) 347-3900.
Source: Margene Buckhave, co-owner of Northville Square
Writer: Jon Zemke
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