Development could bring 70 new homes, $1.5M in spending, to downtown Muskegon's waterfront

Jon Rooks has a vision to bring 70 new homes to downtown Muskegon's waterfront, and both the Muskegon Planning Commission and the Muskegon City Commission have approved the plans.
 
Terrace Point Landing, LLC, of which Rooks is the manager, plans to offer 28 waterfront home sites along Muskegon Lake and 42 home sites with waterfront access, all on the vacant 11-acre parcel adjacent to the Shoreline Inn and Conference Center, Terrace Point Marina, and the Lake House Waterfront Grille.
 
Rooks purchased the 23-acre parcel from the bank in 2009, and says he plans to pass the cost savings along to homebuyers.
 
"We're interested in appealing to a diverse group of buyers and view these as homes that could be purchased as a first or second home of young professionals, families, or empty nesters," Rooks says. "We anticipate lot prices would be $95,000 to $125,000 (for) waterfront and start at about $45,000 for non-waterfront lots. Construction costs would probably be $125,000 to $175,000 per home."
 
The project includes two community pools, one at the marina and one in the housing development, a forest courtyard, a hot tub, a Muskegon Lake beach, and unrestricted access by boat to Lake Michigan. Waterfront buyers would have first right of refusal for a marina slip.
 
Rooks points out that there are still a lot of details to iron out, including finding a reputable homebuilder, building the city roads and sidewalks throughout the development, and getting buyers. A waiting list has been established and reservation agreements are in development.
 
Between Terrace Point Landing and Rooks' development of the 72-condominium High Point Flats just three blocks away, (285 W. Western Ave.) it could bring 142 new residences to downtown Muskegon. Rooks estimates that could bring 300 new residents to the region and $1.5 million in annual spending to the downtown.
 
To inquire about the properties or to get on the waiting list, email Brad Veneklase at [email protected].
 
Source: Jon Rooks, Terrace Point Landing, LLC
Writer: Deborah Johnson Wood, Development News Editor