Some real estate projects take patience, persistence, and a team willing to tackle complex challenges head-on. That was exactly the case at 100 S Mill Street in Plymouth, Michigan. The 15-acre site went through years of setbacks before becoming a true success story for both the community and the city. For me, this project was special from the start. Growing up in Plymouth, I’ve seen the Mill Street site evolve, and I’m proud to say it’s now a thriving development.
Here’s how we made it happen.
This story starts more than 15 years ago when a developer first bought the land. It was a prime piece of property, but unforeseen challenges arose. The market crashed, the developer’s plans fell apart, and the property eventually went into foreclosure. For years it remained an unused plot, waiting for the right moment and the right investor.
In the midst of a slowly recovering economy, an investor stepped in with an aggressive, quick-close offer and a willingness to wait for the market to rebound. This level of investor patience is rare, and it gave the property a second chance. For five years the investor sat on the land,allowing Plymouth’s market to catch up to its potential.
But there was still a major obstacle keeping developers away: contamination.
Though the market became more favorable, years of industrial use had caused a contamination of the property that made it costly to develop. This financial burden deterred most developers, until Pulte Homes came along with both a plan and a $3 million grant specifically for remediation. The grant made it possible for them to cover the cleanup costs, paving the way for development.
In 2019, Pulte closed on the first 10 acres, moving forward with a vision for 65 condos. Construction transformed the long-unused land into a residential community that has breathed new life into the area. By 2024, Pulte completed the final phase of development, closing on the remaining 5 acres and fulfilling a project that had been over a decade in the making.
This milestone was meaningful not only for the developer and investors but also for the city and community, who now benefit from a revitalized and vibrant addition to Plymouth’s downtown.
For me, this isn’t just another project; it’s a piece of my hometown. I grew up in Plymouth, went to school here, proposed to my wife at the Kellogg Park fountain, and watched this area grow and change over the years. I still live here. To have been part of this transformation, guiding the project through to completion, is truly rewarding.
Today, 100 S Mill Street stands as a testament to what’s possible with vision, patience, and collaboration. This development has added energy to the Mill Street corridor, bringing in new residents who contribute to a thriving downtown. The city of Plymouth, with its dedicated City Hall, planners, and city council, has been an incredible partner throughout the process. Their vision and willingness to invest in the area made all the difference and helped overcome the challenges that once seemed insurmountable.
What was once an abandoned plot is now a flourishing community space that reflects Plymouth’s growth and potential. It’s a project I am truly proud to have been a part of, and it exemplifies the rewarding work we do at The Thomas Duke Company—turning challenges into opportunities that benefit both clients and communities.
If you’re interested in learning more about this transaction or need help with your commercial real estate needs, please feel free to reach out to me. You can contact me, Steve Valli, at svalli@thomasduke.com or call (248) 476-3700. I’m here to help with all your real estate needs
