Consultant re Four Seasons site: "This site is not all that large for community retail"

Plymouth study foresees mixed-use possibility at Four Seasons

Excerpt:

mixed-use development is among ideas suggested by consultants working on a Plymouth market study regarding the future of the Four Seasons Mall in Plymouth.

The analysis by consulting firm Bonestroo Services recommended steering clear of community retail, including big-box stores, and focusing on neighborhood retail, senior housing and retail medical office space, the Bonestroo researchers and city staff revealed May 5 at the Plymouth Creek Center. A questionnaire for audience members requested their thoughts on mixed-use development ideas including a mix of senior housing, neighborhood-oriented retail, medical office or small office space.

Wal-Mart now owns the Four Seasons Mall, and consultants for the prominent chain attended the first of two presentations on the market study but did not weigh in. The consultants have been monitoring the process and requested city documents, said Steve Juetten, Plymouth's community development director.

"From my point of view, they've taken a back seat to see how this goes," Juetten said. "They understand we have the right to do what we're doing."

Lisa Nelson, a senior manager of public affairs for Wal-Mart, said representatives for the retailer planned a conference call with company officials to discuss the study.

"We just haven't had the chance to digest it yet," she said. "We want to work with the city, and we want to work with the neighbors so we can be part of a development that meets everyone's needs."

The Plymouth City Council has approved a moratorium preventing building on the site while the city conducts a study process.

The Bonestroo consultants steered clear of recommending community retail during presentations.

"This site is not all that large for community retail," said Paul Bilotta, president and senior planner at Bonestroo.

Comment: City of Plymouth Four Seasons Mall study available here