Commerce Township Prepares for Vibrant Downtown Transformation with Five & Main Development

Commerce Township’s Exciting New Downtown Development: Five & Main

Commerce Township is gearing up for an exciting transformation! For years, this community has had a dream—creating a vibrant downtown where residents can shop, dine, and enjoy life. That dream is becoming a reality through Five & Main, a spectacular new 42-acre retail and lifestyle center set to capture the heart of the township.

A Grand Vision Unfolds

Can you believe it? It’s been 40 years since the Commerce Township Downtown Development Authority (DDA) was established, and they are ready to tackle the mission of creating a bustling downtown from the ground up! The vision is ambitious but oh-so-exciting. Five & Main, developed by the renowned Robert B. Aikens & Associates—the brains behind the popular Village of Rochester Hills—aims to give the township a distinct Main Street vibe.

Strategically located near the intersection of M-5, Martin Parkway, and Pontiac Trail, Five & Main promises a delightful mix of 60% retail shops, 25% restaurants, and the remainder dedicated to experiential entertainment and grocery offerings. Expect everything from trendy boutiques to fine dining and even a med spa and a pilates studio!

What’s in Store?

The total investment in Five & Main is around a whopping $100 million! If all goes well, the entire space is anticipated to be completed by the fall of 2026. According to Randy Thomas, the president and CEO of Insite Commercial, which played a part in facilitating this enormous development, locals can look forward to some high-end retail options that are unique to the area.

It gets better! Bruce Aikens, a vice chairman of Robert B. Aikens & Associates and a proud Commerce Township resident, expressed his enthusiasm about bringing a mini downtown to the community. “We feel if we can be that town for that community, that will create a huge, real success story here,” he shared, radiating optimism about the project.

Residential Bliss Awaits

On top of all things retail and leisure, there’s also a residential side to this exciting initiative. With the help of their partner, Continental Properties, a Wisconsin-based residential developer, the plan includes the Springs at Five & Main. This garden community will feature 284 studio and one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments designed in a chic townhome style, complete with ground-level entries and attached garages.

What’s the cherry on top? A resort-style pool, an on-site pet spa and dog park, plus a 24-hour fitness center for all residents to revel in! Pre-leasing is set to kick off in spring 2025, with move-ins happening that summer once the community clubhouse and a few initial units are ready.

Community Reactions

Dave Campbell, many folks moved to the township partly in hopes of having a business-friendly downtown where they can stroll or bike to enjoy shopping and dining options.

To ease traffic concerns, a traffic signal will be installed at the main entrance of the downtown development, located at Pontiac Trail and Walnut Lake Road. Sounds like a win-win!

A Long Journey to Today

Five & Main isn’t just a flash in the pan; it’s part of a larger initiative known as Commerce Towne Place, which has been in the works for over two decades. The DDA previously purchased 330 acres of land between 2003 and 2007 to prepare the community for this very moment—tackling traffic, preserving parks, and working on storm management, among other things!

With existing developments like the luxurious Barrington Apartment Homes, the Avalon senior housing facility, and Wyncliff’s single-family homes, it’s obvious that progress is underway—making way for a brighter tomorrow in Commerce Township.

So, keep your eyes peeled, folks! Commerce Township is on its way to becoming your new go-to destination filled with shopping, dining, and community fun. Exciting times lie ahead!