Twelve Mile Crossing at Fountain Walk

Built:

2002

Type:

Lifestyle Center

Location:

Novi, tucked behind Novi West

Distinctive Features:

• First Michigan "Lifestyle Center"
• Currently undergoing extensive redesign
• Largely filled with entertainment/dining venues

History:

Originally designed and developed as an outdoor walking mall, Fountain Walk's original tenants were point-of-destination businesses set too widely apart to encourage pedestrian flow amidst an otherwise vacant center. In addition to the center's size and design, limited access, financial instability and Michigan winters have also been cited as reasons for the lifestyle center’s failure to fill its space. When the original developer went bankrupt in 2005, the property was sold to HHT Devco, LLC.

New Design:

HHT Devco envisions a different design for the center that will be accomplished through a plan of gradual demolitions and renovations. So far, about 60,000 square feet of never-leased space was demolished and the main walk way was converted into a roadway with sidewalks. According to Michigan Business Review, these changes are only part of the overall plan, which includes demolition of most of the north end of the complex, as well as better access from 12 Mile Road.

Today:

Today the majority of the tenants are located on the relatively successful south end of the complex. For the most part, they fall within the entertainment and dining category, including Emagine Theater, Lucky's, Hooter's and Buffalo Wild Wings. HHT Devco is also attempting to attract other point-of-destination retailers, including a large bookseller.

Sources:

• Fountain Walk to be remodeled by Laura Mossa / The Oakland Press (6/24/06)
• Nearly half of Fountain Walk set for demolition by Carol Marshall / Michigan Business Review (12/19/06)
• FountainWalkofNovi.com

More info:

• Shopping malls and centers in Novi and elsewhere
• Tour of the western suburbs, including Novi