MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Meridian Township is moving forward with the sale of the property in Downtown Okemos that currently is home to The Marc and the former Central Fire Station.

The property went on the market on April 1st and has been owned by the Township since 1995. The two buildings are about an acre combined.

Meridian Township is working with commercial real estate agent David Ledebuhr from Mussselman Reality to sell the property, but Township officials will have the final say in who purchases the property and what it actually becomes.

The Township's hope is that the property is sold in the next 60 to 90 days.

Meridian Township Associate Planner Peter Menser said the property's downtown location could be a catalyst for a unique community development.

"It's a tremendous opportunity," Menser said. "The Township doesn't own a lot of property, let alone property in a strategic area like that. Downtown Okemos has a downtown development authority, but they're really in need of some kind of project to start redevelopment in the area."

Menser said a mixed-use development-apartments or condominiums above some sort of commercial first floor activity-would be a good fit for the property.