The farmer’s market, hipster art, and the emphasis on value to meet the needs of the Metro Detroit family are some of the elements of the vision outlined on Monday by the new owners of Auckland Mall.
Troy-based MKiezi Investments LLC was founded in 2013 by developer Mario Kiegi, 31, and acquired the 1.5 million square foot Troy Shopping Center, which opened in 1968 from CenterCalProperties LLC in California, at a private price. “People’s Mall” — A “non-elite” space in the heart of Metro Detroit, servicing the next generation of families to separate it from the nearby Somerset Collection.
“This is one of the sleepiest places to wake up in Metro Detroit. We want to be a community where we can shop, have fun and eat. We live in a world where people can experience. I want to see and experience things in real life. “
Unlike other Metro Detroit malls, Auckland Mall has successfully survived the COVID-19 pandemic. With 90% occupancy in anchors such as Macy’s, JC Penny, Dick’s sporting goods, and at home, Hobby Lobby will open later this year. The former Sears store that Kiegi bought and redeveloped for $ 15 million last year. The Longhorn Steak House will replace the former Logan’s Roadhouse on the southeast corner of the property.
For the mall, Keech’s team maintained the GH + A design studio in Detroit and reconsidered it as a destination. He didn’t share the redevelopment budget, but the idea under consideration is about placemaking, including the use of outdoor space.
The “brick and click” concept supports physical and online shopping needs. Restaurants and chefs can rent 20-30 takeaway and delivery “ghost kitchens” 225-400 square feet in size at 10% the cost of a regular lease. Although the name of the current big brand, he emphasizes that the mall will be a place for local and national “manufacturers” and small businesses. Slime experiences and other entertainment can also be a cool place for kids and families.
“We’re just building on the momentum we’re already here. We’re going to take advantage of every square inch of the mall,” he said.
It is a shopping center where Keech grew up. At the ages of nine and ten, she cast a shadow over the ice cream of her family Antoine, who works at a store in the mall.
“Oakland Mall has a lot of sentimental value. In my opinion, I turned to retail here,” he said.
Purchase negotiations began in the fourth quarter of last year. The sale ended on Friday. This project highlights Keitch’s family inspiration and community feedback, as well as 17,600 followers of the video app TikTok under @mariokiezi, who earned a little after joining the platform. More than a month ago.
“I want to teach the world, not just my friends. It was hard to get there, but I got out of my shell,” he said. .. If they are saying something and it has merit, consider it. I want to connect with the next generation. Frankly, I’m looking for inspiration from others. “
Kiezi’s company has acquired, developed and managed over 2 million square feet of commercial real estate space in Michigan and Ohio. Other acquisitions include Highpoint Shopping Center at Novi and Auburn Plaza, and Napishops and Shelby Square at Shelby Township.
Klein’s Detroit business first reported the sale. This is the latest shake-up of the Metro Detroit Mall scene, where shopping centers are struggling to recover in a pandemic.
Dearborn’s Fairlane Town Center will acquire new ownership this month, and Clinton Township’s Partridge Creek mall will be the trustee after the problematic shopping center was put under new control last fall. It may be sold out from.
According to Keech, Auckland Mall is different. In most cases, it is a one-story mall that is easily accessible.
“We are in the heart of Madison Heights, Birmingham and Ferndale near Clawson. 16 minutes from downtown Detroit. Right next to the community.”
bnoble@detroitnews.com
Twitter: @BreanaCNoble
