Miller presents Products plans to city council

Developer Jason Miller presented drawings for the mix-use development plans for the former Tecumseh Products property during a study session in front of city council on April 4. Miller has proposed a $25 million redevelopment project to repurpose the area into a variety of retail, professional and light industrial space. Miller is calling the 55-acre development Revival Commons.

“This is not an easy project, so we appreciate Jason for coming in and working with us,” city manager Dan Swallow noted at the introduction of the meeting. All buildings on the property will be demolished, save for the new Orbitec building on Patterson Street, which Miller intends to use for a manufacturing warehouse, as well as professional offices for doctors and lawyers. As these structures are next to the railroad, Miller’s goal is to work with rail companies to bring guests from Clinton into Tecumseh by use of a train. The two-story office on Ottawa Street will also remain standing. Miller’s plans include taking the brick building used as the office for Tecumseh Products and converting it into an office business campus. The site will need to be rezoned from industrial to a planned development unit to begin construction.

“I worked very hard on building a business and putting myself in this opportunity,” Miller said. “I care about people deeply, and I’ve earned everything I have. I came from the bottom, so taking on this project means a lot to me.”

In 2006, Miller and his family established the Great Lakes Aerial Maintenance & Construction Company, which manufactures communication towers in Dundee. He and his wife, Kristie, signed a purchase agreement for the property last year, and will close on the property in May or June. They live in Franklin Township.

Miller said being eco-friendly is a big concern to him during this project. He is working with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to remove contamination in the area. Areas that can’t be cleaned will be rubber lined. Rain gardens will be installed in some areas to improve the quality of water and to prevent contamination from entering the River Raisin.

A park is planned in the northwest corner of the property, which Miller intends to use as a stage for art fairs and artwork. “That area is specifically concentrated for art,” Miller said. “We could bring in tables for chess and checkers near the basketball courts. There could even be a skateboard park.”

In the winter, a possible ice rink could be installed in the greenspace, according to Miller. The intention of this recreational area is to draw visitors to the businesses nearby.

“I don’t just pop up buildings and hope it works out,” Miller said. “I compliment these businesses with the surrounding environment so they succeed.”

Miller says one of his primary focuses is helping young entrepreneurs succeed by supplying them with the tools they need to build a healthy business.

“Jobs are going to be created through this project,” Miller said. “I want this to be the prime example for a young person; all I ask is for everyone’s support. I wish to leave a legacy, and I feel an obligation to do something.”

Miller hopes to begin demolition work in June, start renovating the old buildings and establish a walkway in the summer. The water tower on the property is also set to be demolished and replaced with a new one.

“It comes down to letters of intent as well, but I want to start as soon as possible,” Miller said.

Councilman Ron Wimple expressed interest in the project. “I look forward to this in our community,” Wimple said. “I think this will be great for the city.”

In other city council news;

• Barb Mitzel of Consumers Energy presented a $11,524 donation to the Tecumseh Center for the Arts for the continued maintenance of the auditorium.

• Mayor Jack Baker presented Tecumseh Police Department officer Tim Ryan with a certificate of appreciation on his retirement after 33 years with the department.

• Council unanimously approved a three-year lease extension to Tecumseh Paddl-ing Company at 703 E. Chicago Blvd.