• Triple Goddess New Age Bookstore demolished. Courtesy photo: Douglas J

OKEMOS - The Douglas J Salon and Spa is known for their excellent service in the industry. Since 1970 their presence in Downtown Okemos has been significant. In 2012, Douglas J applied for permits to begin a new development at Hamilton and Okemos Roads.

Initially having a permit deadline for July 2015, Douglas J received an extension from Meridian Township. Douglas J owns the entire northwest corner of Hamilton and Okemos Road. The ongoing development project was at a standstill until a couple weeks ago when Douglas J demolished the historic Smiley House previously known as the Triple Goddess New Age Bookstore.

"I think that by them tearing down the Smiley House and removing the trees and stuff from that lot they're showing that they are going to move ahead with something. So it's a good sign to the community to see some activity on that site that we haven't seen in a long time,” said Peter Menser, Associate Planner for Meridian Township.

Construction is expected to begin early 2016. Once the project is complete, all of Douglas J’s corporate staff will be located in Okemos.