NOVI, Mich. – A proposed $270 million mixed-use development project that is set to be constructed next to the Suburban Collection Showplace is expected to bring a hotel, restaurants, several housing units and more to the area.
The project involves revitalizing the Grand River Avenue corridor by transforming obsolete industrial land near the Suburban Collection Showplace off of I-96 into new developments.
“While still in the preliminary stages, the proposed development within Novi’s newly created City West zoning district represents an exciting, strategic opportunity—not only for our city, but for the entire region. This visionary project, centered around the Suburban Collection Showplace, builds on one of our community’s most dynamic assets and creates a powerful engine for tourism, economic growth, and regional prominence,“ said Novi Mayor Justin Fischer. “With the addition of a flagship hotel and complementary mixed-use offerings, the potential exists to elevate Novi as a premier destination for national conferences and major events. Projects of this scale require true collaboration and we look forward to working with regional, county and state partners to bring this transformational investment to life and unlock the full potential of the extraordinary Grand River Avenue corridor.”
The project is led by Blair Bowman, the owner of the Suburban Collection Showplace, and supported by funding from the Transformational Brownfield Program.
“A Transformational Brownfield Plan (TBP) is defined as a Brownfield Plan that, among other requirements, will have a transformational impact on local economic development and community revitalization based on the extent of brownfield redevelopment, growth in population, commercial activity, and employment that will result from the plan,” according to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
To learn more about the Transformational Brownfield Program, visit here.
Here’s what’s planned as part of this project:
225-room hotel
The construction of a 225-room Cambria Hotel, featuring a rooftop event space, is planned as part of this project. This will provide lodging for convention center visitors and accommodate large events.
Walkable entertainment district
On the south side of Grand River Avenue, rehabilitated buildings, along with an additional 17,000 square feet of new space, will be turned into a walkable entertainment district called The Mix.
The Mix will include a farm-to-table restaurant in a rehabilitated historic farmhouse, a brewery, several greenhouse-style pavilions that will have rentable lanes for lawn games, an off-leash dog zone and other pet-friendly amenities.
The restaurant will be led by Jared and Abby Gadbow, who own Upfront Hospitality and are also behind Detroit’s Oak and Reel restaurant.
“This project is about more than buildings—it’s about placemaking," according to a release from the Suburban Collection Showplace. “By reimagining the Grand River corridor as a walkable, integrated urban district, Novi City West will connect residents of all ages and backgrounds to housing, entertainment, food, nature, and each other. Whether it’s a retiree walking from Viva Bene to the specialty grocer, a young couple living above the store, or an international conference guest dining at a locally owned restaurant after a day of meetings, this development is rooted in human-centered design. It reflects a growing demand for community-focused, inclusive spaces that offer connectivity.”
The developments on the south side of Grand River will be connected to the Suburban Collection Showplace and the Cambria Convention Hotel with a new pedestrian bridge.
Townhomes
Several housing developments are also planned for the Novi City West project, including the Pulte Townhomes, which will offer 100+ units for sale.
Active adult living community
There will also be a Viva Bene active adult community, which will have 170+ units available for adults ages 55 and over to rent.
Apartments
Over 100 units will also be available for rent at the new Central Park South apartment complex, which will be located near the existing Central Park Estates townhomes, according to the release.
In addition, there will be another mixed-use space created to house 50 apartments and a specialty grocery store.
“One of the most important pieces to the community building developments on the south side of Grand River is the inclusion of the substantial specialty market,” said Blair Bowman, owner of the Suburban Collection Showplace. “We have been engaged in discussions with several potential high-quality partners and operators to find the right fit.”
The project aims to transform the area into a walkable space that will strengthen the community and generate long-term economic growth in Novi.
