Visions for Vacancies: Patch Readers Pitch Ideas for Whole Foods Building
From RARA to Ikea, readers attempt to recruit their dream businesses into the empty building.
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The Cheesecake Factory. A used book store. A children's museum or a place for teen-agers to hang out.
These are some of the diverse suggestions Rochester Patch readers offered up when we asked them to share their ideas for the vacant former Whole Foods Market building on Walton Boulevard.
The spot has been empty since 2008, when the grocer moved into a bigger space two miles down the street. According to Landmark Commerical Real Estate Services, based in Farmington Hills, the building is 22,552 square feet.
We asked for ideas as to what could go there; here's a summary:
Discount groceries: Five readers said they would like to see Aldi, the low-price grocery store, come into that space. One reader, Allen Rowen, even said he was going to send the Iowa-based company a letter. The nearest Aldi stores to Rochester and Rochester Hills are at 2967 E. Big Beaver Road in Troy, 2060 Dixie Highway in Waterford and 47342 Van Dyke Ave. in Shelby Township. Let us know if you hear back, Allen!
Ikea: A few readers put the made-in-Sweden home goods store on their Rochester Hills wish list.
A teen hangout: Several readers suggested the area doesn't need more big box retail. What it needs, instead, is a place for teen-agers to go on nights and weekends — something with ping pong tables, games or maybe skateboarding. "Kids that age need a place to go and socialize — this offers a safe controlled environment," reader Laurie Puscas said.
Recreation: A place for whirly ball or a field house similar to the Joe Dumars facility in Shelby Township were suggested. A few readers thought the spot may be a great option for the Rochester Avon Recreation Authority, which is looking for a new headquarters. We asked RARA director Ron Jewell specifically about this spot: he said it's not likely a contender, as RARA is looking for outdoor field space with their new facility.
Other reader suggestions:
- A food co-op.
- Hiller's Market.
- A children's museum.
- A used book store.
- The Cheesecake Factory.
- Cubicle-style apartments for those evicted from their homes.
- A fabric and crafts store.
What do you think?
Doug Barnes
6:21 pm on Saturday, February 11, 2012
I agree with Lori Puscas, which is why the Upper Room (http://www.rochesterupperroom.com/) was created over four years ago. Upper Room is a community based organization that provides an alternative activity for the area teens.
Every Saturday evening, from 7 pm – 10:30 pm, middle and high school teens gather to participate in many unstructured activities, such as ping pong, pool, video games, board games, outside activities, and just hanging out with friends. The $5 weekly entrance fee covers the cost of the activity supplies and the food offered each week.
(See the article from a previous Patch issue: http://rochester.patch.com/articles/rochesters-upper-room-marks-four-years-of-giving-kids-freedom-and-safety)
If Upper Room was able to expand to a larger spot like this one, it would be a dream-come-true.
Kristin Bull
8:15 am on Sunday, February 12, 2012
Thanks for pointing that out, Doug. We love dream-come-trues.
Joshua Raymond
11:14 pm on Saturday, February 11, 2012
The Rochester area could use a community pool that is not associated with a fitness club, country club, or YMCA; is open more hours than the high school pools; and has a children's area. Perhaps this would be a good spot.
Janet
5:16 pm on Saturday, March 31, 2012
Tech Shop ("membership based workshop that provides members with access to tools and equipment, instruction, and a community of creative people so they can build the things they always wanted to make"...without having to purchase all the equipment yourself! Great place for skill building too!