OKEMOS, MI - The Village of Okemos project kicked off 2021 with the demolition of multiple buildings in Downtown Okemos. Block 1 demolition started on Monday, January 4th with the former Travelers Club International Restaurant & Tuba Museum being the first building to go. The Travelers Club sat on the corner of Okemos and Hamilton Roads.

Block 2 demolition was scheduled to start the week on January 11th, but was moved up ahead of schedule. The former Bottoms Up building was torn down yesterday, while the former Ace Hardware store is being torn down today.

The Village of Okemos project is a $100 million mixed-use development proposed in Downtown Okemos. This plan will transform two full blocks along the west side of Okemos Road between Clinton and Methodist Streets, with Hamilton Road becoming a “focal point for street trees flanking quaint shopping and eating offerings.”

The goal of the project is to create a walkable downtown area that provides retail, restaurants, and residential living for community members. A public hearing on this project is happening on Thursday, January 7th at 6:00 pm via Zoom. A HOMTV article with more information on that public hearing can be found in the link below. A link to demolition photos has also been provided.

We will continue to follow this story as it develops.