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Wrought Iron Grill nears completion
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Wednesday, May 14, 2008 10:20 AM EDT
OWOSSO - The second phase in the $20-million restoration project at the former Woodard furniture factory - now known as Woodard Station - will start within the next two months.
The second phase will include a fitness center, indoor pool and more commercial lease spaces, said Dave Spaulding, development manager at Woodard Station.
“My biggest thing is to bring in the right businesses in this community to make it a success,” Spaulding said. “If I bring in the right businesses, then the right residents will follow. If I bring in the right residences then the commercial will follow.”
Zeeland-based Bosgraaf Commercial purchased the former Woodard furniture building, at 317 Elm St., in 2006. The structure had stood vacant for several years after the company moved its operations to a new facility along south Delaney Road in Owosso Township.
The first phase of the project included construction of 48 lofts, lower level storage space for tenants, five commercial lease spaces and the Wrought Iron Grill restaurant.
Spaulding said about 28 apartments are still available.
“It's a community within a community,” he said. “The objective is to make it a destination place. For the most part people that live here don't need to go anywhere.”
The Wrought Iron Grill opens June 16, said owner John Lowman. He said the American bistro-themed restaurant offers a local, fresh season menu.
“We're trying to keep things on the healthy side,” said Lowman, who has been operating restaurants for more than 20 years.
The restaurant will seat more than 200 people. The bar is built of flooring from the welding room in the original Woodard plant.
The restaurant will open a few days early for a wine and cheese party from 5:30 to 8 p.m. June 13. Advanced tickets cost $20 or $25 at the door.
For more information visit www.woodardstation.com
- Dominic Adams may be reached at 725-5136, extension 239, or by e-mail at dadamsarguspress@gmail.com.