The retail landscape in Allendale, Michigan, has experienced a significant shift with the grand opening of the new Family Fare supermarket. Located at the bustling corner of 64th Avenue and Lake Michigan Drive, this state-of-the-art facility by Spartan Stores not only provides an enhanced shopping experience but also marks a new chapter for retail development in the area, while simultaneously prompting considerations for the future of the former Family Fare Allendale location.
The newly unveiled Family Fare boasts an impressive 49,000 square feet of retail and storage space, a substantial upgrade from its previous 30,000 square foot establishment. This expansion allows for a wider array of amenities and services, including a welcoming coffee bar, a full-service deli, a vibrant floral center, and an expanded bakery, departments that were previously limited by space constraints at the old family fare allendale store.
This supermarket and its adjacent strip mall represent the inaugural retail phase of Allendale Township’s ambitious town center project, known as the Landings of Allendale. Phil Brummel, Allendale Township’s Planning and Zoning director, acknowledged initial concerns when Family Fare announced their relocation plans. “We were very concerned when Family Fare first came to the township Planning Commission and said they wanted to move to a bigger space,” Brummel stated. The township had prior experience with vacant grocery store spaces and initially hoped for an expansion and remodel of the existing family fare allendale site. However, once the decision to relocate was finalized, the focus shifted to securing a new tenant for the vacated space, a task made challenging by the preference of large businesses for new constructions.
Pierce Roon, Allendale Township Treasurer and owner of the Heritage Towne Square building that housed the former family fare allendale, confirmed that Spartan Stores holds a lease on the property until July 2008. However, Roon reassured the community that plans are already in motion to fill the space promptly after the lease expires.
Jeffrey Cunningham pictured at the grand opening of the new, larger Family Fare store in Allendale, highlighting the 24-hour operating hours.
According to Roon, a new tenant has already been secured for the building. Family Farm and Home, a Michigan-based company with a strong regional presence, has committed to leasing the entire building starting in 2008. “Family Farm and Home has agreed to lease the entire building and I am very happy about that,” Roon explained. This development is particularly positive as it ensures a quick occupancy of the space and introduces a popular retail chain to Heritage Towne Square. Family Farm and Home, known for its farm and home supplies, is owned by the former proprietors of Quality Farm and Fleet and currently operates several locations across Michigan.
The relocation of family fare allendale to its new, larger premises has not dampened interest in the Heritage Towne Square development. In fact, the mixed-use development continues to attract new businesses. Brummel mentioned ongoing reviews for plans submitted by Grand Coney Island restaurant and Kansas City Dip and Grill Restaurant, both aiming to open within the next year and feature outdoor seating. He expressed optimism about these additions, stating, “I think they are both a good fit for the development.” Furthermore, a third restaurant has also expressed interest in establishing a location within the development, indicating continued commercial appeal and growth in the area.
In conclusion, the opening of the new Family Fare in Allendale signifies progress and expansion for the local retail sector. While it marks the end of an era for the old family fare allendale location, the swift agreement with Family Farm and Home to occupy the space, coupled with the influx of new restaurants, points towards a vibrant future for Heritage Towne Square and the Landings of Allendale development as a whole. This transition underscores the dynamic nature of retail in Allendale and the proactive approach taken by township officials to ensure continued economic vitality.
