By Meg Peters
Review Staff Writer
Once known as the harbor of all things antiquated, the building of former Ye Olde Stuff and Antiques at 20 E. Front St. in downtown Lake Orion is under new ownership.
The location affords new owner, Christian Mills of Mills Real Estate Ventures LLC, a unique opportunity.
The magic happens at the south end of the former Ye Olde Stuff and Antiques building, which backs up to the backyard of ‘the Village Shopps, also owned by Mills. The Village Shopps include Mason Jewlers, Accent on Art, Amazing Petals Florist, Diva’s on Broadway and Twice Blessed.
‘He has a huge opportunity to make a new public space in the backyard by building a business that could occupy the basement of the Village Shopps or Ye Old, or both,? Suzanne Perrault said, director of the Downtown Development Authority (DDA).
That’s exactly what Mills was thinking when he approached former owner Ron Sweet with an offer.
‘I always wanted to have some entertainment or a restaurant, and this property backs right up to the Village Shopps,? he said. ‘It’s a great space with parking on either side, an open space for outdoor eating, outdoor decks, and it’s right next to Children’s Park.?
20 E. Broadway is zoned Downtown District, which according to the village zoning ordinance, ‘is intended to be a compact, lively, pedestrian-oriented district that permits a wide diversity of retail, commercial, office, restaurant, civic, cultural, entertainment, recreation, and residential uses.? This could be retail, restaurants, music/art/dance studios, services, grocery stores, bakeries, health clubs and spas, among multiple other options.
Both Perrault and Mills are looking for the community’s? ideas to select an experienced and dynamic business to fill the role, somebody that is looking to expand to a second location.
‘We are really excited and looking to bring in a destination business that offers great food and entertainment,? Mills said. ‘Ideas include music, bars or restaurants with entertainment, painting with a twist, ice cream stores, a bakery, and we’ve even talked about cigar/craft beer specialty shop.?
Perrault agrees, and invites the community to email the DDA at’director@downtownlakeorion.org’or add suggestions to the ongoing Facebook post at the Lake Orion DDA facebook page.
So far the community has recommended tons of name brand restaurants, including Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, The Breadwinner, Chomp sandwhich deli, Brioni’s, Cooks Farm Dairy, The Union, Bronx Deli, The French Laundry, Crispelli’s Bakery and Pizzeria, and a slew of other ideas.
What they’re working with
Mills has an opportunity to house three different businesses. The first business could occupy the first floor of the prior Ye Old Stuff and Antiques building, with 3,000 square feet available. A second business could occupy the basement of Ye Old, with 600 to 700 square feet of space available below. A third business could also occupy the near 1,800 square foot space in the lower level of the Village Shops, accessible to the public area as a walk-out basement. ?
Or, he could combine business opportunities with the shared backyard.
Mills has selected architects Hamilton Anderson of Detroit to design the outside of the building, which will begin in the next 30 days. Once he finds tenants they will be in charge of the inside design.?