UPDATE: OKEMOS - Douglas J Salon and Spa plans to transform Downtown Okemos.

Their salon is currently across the street from their proposed new site and it has been for 35 years.

Christina Minnis, Marketing Director for Douglas J Salon and Spa said, "The overall consensus is that we need more space."

Kathy Kelly the Director of Salon Services added, "Probably the spa is the biggest area where you can see we clearly do not have enough room."

The salon may not be increasing staff or adding more styling chairs, but instead it wants to expand to meet the changes of the industry.

These changes could include a fitness component with a focus on wellness and a larger area for stylists to do prep work.

"So everything would be new, larger, more technology. We really want to offer a state of the art facility to our guests and employees," said Minnis.

The original salon will be converted into educational and corporate office space.

Kelly said, "I came in at a time when our corporate offices were right here in this building so everybody knew what everybody was doing, so it will be nice to have them here as well."

The plans include tearing down the Traveler's Club, Triple Goddess Bookstore, and White Bros. Music to make room for the three story, 25,000 square foot development.

"We're confident that this will continue to move forward. But ultimately we need more space and we are not able to do that at this current location," said Minnis.

The proposal will go before the Planning Commission on June 25th and the Township Board will hear it on July 3rd.

Douglas J Salon and Spa hopes to start breaking ground before the end of the year with expected completion in 2014.

ORIGINAL STORY: OKEMOS - Douglas J Salon and Spa plans a three story development in Downtown Okemos. Meridian Magazine has the details on this proposed plan.