The groundbreaking for the project was Monday morning
MARQUETTE TOWNSHIP -- It's a project that's been in the works for nearly three years, and Monday morning it all became official.
Veridea Group members broke ground on their West Towne Center, a development that'll bring twelve new storefronts to a highly commercialized area of Marquette Township.
"It gives individuals from out of the area more reason to come here and spend their money, and that's always a good thing," says Marquette Township Manager Randy Girard.
The two acre property sits on Wright Street near Super One Foods and Range Bank. The two million dollar project will include a much anticipated Arby's branch that's set to open by the end of the year.
"I like Arbys! Mmm, beef and cheddar," says Marquette resident Barbara Johnson.
"I'm actually excited. Instead of having to drive out to Escanaba, it'll be nice just to drive across town for something different that we don't have," says Katy Bigger, also a Marquette resident.
Wild Birds Unlimited is also moving in from its Jilbert Center location.
As for the other spots...
"We're in discussions with a number of different retailers, some local, some regional, a number of nationals. I'm not really at liberty to say who they are right now, but we're pretty excited about the line up," says Veridea Group owner Bob Mahaney.
Mahaney says it was the lot's close proximity to the big box stores and the Westwood Mall that attracted Veridea to the property. He says it increases the odds for West Towne Center tenants to have successful businesses.
Construction crews hope to begin demolition of the area later this week; they plan to have the project finished by November before winter sets in.
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