Downtown Muskegon Blog

Behind the Scenes - Heritage Square & The Russell Block Market

One of the major players in the redevelopment of downtown Muskegon is Gary Post. He has already redeveloped the historic Century Club into Hegg’s Gallery. Now he is busy building the Heritage Square Townhomes and attempting to turn the old Daniel’s building into the Russell Block Market. I met with Mr. Post and got an update on this downtown projects.

MS: Thank you for meeting with me Mr. Post. Can you tell me why you decided to focus your developments in downtown Muskegon?

GP: All of us in the Greater Muskegon area are associated with Muskegon. Whether we live in Norton Shores, North Muskegon, Muskegon Heights, or Roosevelt Park the success of our whole area is tied to the success of Muskegon. For the area to prosper it needs a strong core. Downtown Muskegon is that core.

MS: For those who are not familiar, could you please describe the Heritage Square Townhome development?

GP: The Heritage Square Townhomes are rowhouse styled, live-work, condo units, in a renaissance zone development. I think the development is very unique in its architecture, and its living offerings. We have all sorts of housing available downtown, but this development is different from the others. I think it compliments the others and adds something new.

MS: So you are still interested in the having small office or retail space on the first floor of some of the units?

GP: Yes, I am. I run my business out of the office in my townhouse and one of the new owners is having an office put in his new unit. I’ve also been thinking about possibly putting retail space in the corner units.


: You are building two townhouses right now. Do you have buyers for them?

GP: Yes, both are sold. The buyers represent two different groups. One of the new homes is being built for a couple that work near downtown. This new home will put them much closer to their jobs. The other buyer became interested in the development due to the renaissance zone tax savings.

MS: How much interest have you had in the townhouse development?

GP: I’ve had a lot of interest. Everyone is facing challenges in this economy, but we also have a lot going for us and the interest has continued to be strong.

MS: Why do you think you’ve been successful selling townhouses at a time when the housing market is so poor and many houses are for sale in the area?

GP: I think it’s because we have the right product, with the right incentives, at the right time. People who have looked at our model have been impressed with what we’re building here.

MS: Not only are you a downtown developer, but you’re also a downtown resident. How do you like living downtown?

GP: I’ve got the LC Walker, the bike path, the Frauenthal, the YMCA, and more within walking distance. What’s not to like?


MS: You’ve also been working hard to get the Russell Building (formerly Daniel’s) renovated and made into the Russell Block Market. What gave you the idea for the Market?

GP: It goes back a few years to visiting my son in Seattle. They have a place there named Pike Place Market. I have visited many more urban markets since then, but that was the place that first gave me the idea for the Russell Block Market.

MS: Can you briefly describe what the Russell Block Market will be?

GP: The Russell Block Market really incorporates four things:

First, it is a small business incubator. It provides an opportunity for entrepreneurs to start a retail business in downtown Muskegon. The concept piggybacks on the Chamber theme to "Start Today" to create a business. It cultivates the 'Economic Gardening' soil many folks recognize is the way out of the dismal economy we're in. It encourages and supports the entrepreneurial culture necessary to create jobs and retain the 'best and brightest' of our young people.

Second, it is a key element in the restoration of a 'historic' building in the heart of our downtown that many people believe to be an important connection to our past.

Third, the Market will be a critical part of re-establishing retail in our downtown core, which was virtually lost when the downtown mall closed. It will serve as a catalyst to attract other retailers and businesses, as well.

Fourth, the Market will be a significant attraction bringing people and traffic downtown.

MS: From the floors plans on the front of the building it looks like only the basement and first floor will have market space. Will the upper floors also be market space, or will they have another use?

GP: There are several possibilities including more market space, an art center, or office space for lease.

MS: Finally, can you describe how you are trying to pay for a project that banks won't finance?

GP: We have formed a non-profit, tax-exempt organization that is the Market (Russell Block Market, Inc.) to facilitate investment in the project. In addition to personal financing, we anticipate support from the business and philanthropic community. Several grant programs are available to us and we have already made application to a couple of those. Some conventional financing may also be necessary depending on the success of raising the money elsewhere.

Check it out on the web

Heritage Square Townhomes
Russell Block Market
Western Avenue Properties

Labels: Downtown E-News

posted by Dan & Sarah @ 10:55 AM