By: Deborah Johnson Wood
First, ANM Group of Brooklyn, New York, renovated 85,000 square feet of the former Shaw Walker Furniture Factory into urban loft dwellings. Now they're entering Phase II of the five-phase $60 million development: creating an 11,000-square-foot conference and events center.
The $1.8 million events center at WaterMark Center and Lofts, 930 Washington Street in Muskegon, is a loading dock from the bygone furniture factory days. Renovation thus far has brought the facility to white box stage.
Design plans will lead to the city's first center with state-of-the-art high tech capabilities, such as satellite conferencing and web streaming.
"We want to bring Muskegon something it doesn't already have," said Sarah Rooks, project manager. "Our plan is for clients to be able to facilitate international meetings from here."
In addition to meetings and conferences, Rooks expects to use the center for weddings, banquets, and other events. Multiple events can take place simultaneously because of the center's moveable, soundproofed walls that will change the large space to two or three smaller spaces. Amenities will include complete catering and bar services for up to 500 people, and a large porch for dining and relaxing.
Early 2008 is the projected completion date. However, Rooks said she is already receiving reservation requests.
"We can't build it fast enough," she said.
Last year, WaterMark finished Phase I of its proposed 1 million square feet of renovation. A portion of the property's thirty-plus buildings is now 53 one-, two-, and three-bedroom condominiums. Prices range from $94,000 to $239,000.
Source: Sarah Rooks, WaterMark Center and Lofts; Craig Clark, Clark Communications
Deborah Johnson Wood is the Development News Editor for Rapid Growth. She can be reached at [email protected]
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