Condos to replace Plymouth eyesore
Bathey Manufacturing site is sold to company that plans to build high-priced homes.
Darren A. Nichols / The Detroit News
PLYMOUTH -- City leaders are cautious about proclaiming victory, but are pleased with the $3.1 million sale of the Bathey Manufacturing site, an eyesore for decades.
Last week, the City Commission approved the sale of the former 16-acre industrial facility to Connektiv Communities, a Royal Oak firm expected to build high-priced condominiums on the property.
Within walking distance to a vibrant downtown, the sprawling site is the largest piece of vacant land in the popular western Wayne County community.
Officials reopened bidding after a deal fell through in January that would have paid the city $4.5 million for a residential and retail project.
"It is with cautious optimism that we expect this to go forward," City Manager Paul Sincock said. "(But) the developer is anxious to go on this."
Bathey Manufacturing, which operated in Plymouth for nearly 50 years, made industrial baskets to hold auto parts while the parts were plated or chemically treated. For at least 20 years, though, it has remained vacant and attracted complaints from parents who say children often break in.
The city claimed the property three years ago in lieu of $3 million in unpaid city, county and school taxes. The owner of the former manufacturing plant hadn't paid property taxes in 20 years.
Connektiv Communities, which is expected to build 180 condominiums on the site, beat out two other developers. The company has targeted Metro Detroit young professionals and the growing number of baby boomer empty-nesters looking for urban housing.
Amelia Row, in Plymouth, will have 84 townhouses and lofts built this summer on a site where land is being cleared blocks from Bathey. The homes will sell for $258,000 to $442,000.
Connektiv has 180 days to move forward on its new project, but the deal can extend for another six months.
Bathey Manufacturing site is sold to company that plans to build high-priced homes.
Darren A. Nichols / The Detroit News
PLYMOUTH -- City leaders are cautious about proclaiming victory, but are pleased with the $3.1 million sale of the Bathey Manufacturing site, an eyesore for decades.
Last week, the City Commission approved the sale of the former 16-acre industrial facility to Connektiv Communities, a Royal Oak firm expected to build high-priced condominiums on the property.
Within walking distance to a vibrant downtown, the sprawling site is the largest piece of vacant land in the popular western Wayne County community.
Officials reopened bidding after a deal fell through in January that would have paid the city $4.5 million for a residential and retail project.
"It is with cautious optimism that we expect this to go forward," City Manager Paul Sincock said. "(But) the developer is anxious to go on this."
Bathey Manufacturing, which operated in Plymouth for nearly 50 years, made industrial baskets to hold auto parts while the parts were plated or chemically treated. For at least 20 years, though, it has remained vacant and attracted complaints from parents who say children often break in.
The city claimed the property three years ago in lieu of $3 million in unpaid city, county and school taxes. The owner of the former manufacturing plant hadn't paid property taxes in 20 years.
Connektiv Communities, which is expected to build 180 condominiums on the site, beat out two other developers. The company has targeted Metro Detroit young professionals and the growing number of baby boomer empty-nesters looking for urban housing.
Amelia Row, in Plymouth, will have 84 townhouses and lofts built this summer on a site where land is being cleared blocks from Bathey. The homes will sell for $258,000 to $442,000.
Connektiv has 180 days to move forward on its new project, but the deal can extend for another six months.
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