City officials in Romulus are building on their established relationship with NorthPoint Development to construct a retail and industrial space that will have a multi-million dollar financial impact.
Groundbreaking was Tuesday for the Romulus Trade Center, a 171-acre development project along the south side of Smith Road, the east side of Vining Road and the north side of Wick Road.
According to officials, the development is estimated to have an economic impact of more than $56 million in annual property taxes and $55 million in annual payroll tax revenues.
More than 1,100 jobs will be created in the process.
NorthPoint Development has agreed to give Romulus residents priority in hiring and to host a job fair before opening positions to the public.
Romulus Mayor Robert McCraight said he was excited about the endeavor and spoke about it at the ceremony.
“We are pleased to announce another development in the city of Romulus in partnership with NorthPoint Development, with whom we have worked closely in the past on projects such as Ecorse Commons,” said McCraight. “The Romulus Trade Center will serve as a catalyst to create new retail outlets and jobs, something we know residents would like to see as we continue to grow our community.”
Construction of phase 1 of the center is expected to be completed by summer 2023.
Royal Farms is the first confirmed tenant.
Northpoint Development’s original plan for the center was rejected by the city council, citing concerns from local residents.
NorthPoint Development refused to abandon the project and worked closely with Romulus to develop a new master plan, conduct community perception surveys, and spend time on site in the city to better understand residents’ wants and needs.
Important changes have been made based on this direct community feedback.
NorthPoint will install sidewalks and benches along public streets and private roads to connect pedestrians to the building.
More than 8,500 green spaces, from trees to shrubs, will be planted to enhance the beautification, and trucks will not be allowed to drive north toward residential areas.
In addition, NorthPoint is investing more than $2 million to accelerate infrastructure development.
According to Brent Miles, NorthPoint’s chief marketing officer, the center is a vision of the community brought to life.
“Nearly every aspect of the development plan was assembled based on extensive feedback from Romulus residents because of our pledge to invest in the communities in which we are developing,” Miles said. “Our commitment to Romulus is long-term and we look forward to years of growth together.”
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