Third Coast In The News

Stores, restaurants proposed for property, Editorial, The Holland Sentinel , Holland, Michigan, April 20, 2007

Developers: Minor league baseball stadium could be part of plan

HART & COOLEY SITE- A 45-acre development of new offices, retail stores, restaurants and a minor league baseball stadium could be located in southern Holland Township by 2008.

Representatives of Grand Rapids-based Third Coast Development said they are willing to spend $40 million to redevelop the soon-to-be closed Hart & Cooley site, 500 E. Eighth St.

But before that can happen, the developers are asking the township to create a Renaissance Zone in Ottawa County.

The zone would make the development nearly tax-free for 12 years, said David Levitt, a principal with the group. Taxes then would slowly increase until the 16th year, in which they would return to normal.

Levitt said the "aggressive plan" is still conceptual but would provide a good place to live, work and play.

"We really want to have the feeling that whatever your need, we got it," said Bradley Rosely, another principal with the company.

The developers presented their plan at the Holland Township board meeting Thursday evening.
Levitt told the board the Hart & Cooley complex is obsolete so replacing it with industry is unlikely. Instead, he showed a site plan with tree-lined streets, multi-level buildings, a fountain and a baseball stadium.

SunCoast Baseball, a local company pursuing an independent minor league baseball team, is "actively engaged in negotiations" with Third Coast, according to the developers' letter to the township. Earlier this year, SunCoast had proposed a stadium at the northwest corner of Ransom Street and U.S. 31 in Holland Township.

Officials at SunCoast could not be reached for comment Thursday evening.

For Third Coast to secure a Renaissance Zone, a number of steps must occur.

The township must approve the concept and then contact the state government. Levitt said the state legislature needs to approve the zone, otherwise they are "back to square one."

Levitt said the project would transform the area, spur further growth and increase the future taxable value of the property.

The board decided to wait until a public hearing was conducted in May before making a decision about the zone.

"It's a very exciting project," said Terry Nienhuis, township supervisor. "None of us want to see the building sit there vacant."

BY JEREMY GONSIOR jeremy.gonsior@hollandsentinel.com