Joseph Kafi has had big plans in mind for the corner of S. State St. and Eisenhower since he purchased the Shell station there five years ago. Now, the demolition and redevelopment project has been approved by the Ann Arbor Planning Commission and could break ground this summer.
"This is one of the last hard corners before downtown," Kafi says. "It's a good location, with the mixed commercial uses, Briarwood Mall and other offices nearby."
According to the plans, the less than 1,000 square foot convenience store and existing car wash will be demolished to make way for a new, 4,250 square foot development that will include a larger retail store and a restaurant with a drive thru. Though a restaurant brand has not yet been chosen for the location, Kafi says he is in talks with a number of national chains and expect it will be a bakery/cafe concept.
The expanded retail space will also grow in terms of its offerings. In addition to snacks, the store will offer a larger selection of grocery items, electronic accessories and sportswear.
"It's basically for quick visits on the go," Kafi says, "for someone who may need anything from nail polish remover to chips."
Should the project be approved by city council and construction proceed as planned, Kafi hopes construction will be complete by fall of this year. He intends to retain the convenience store staff for the new store, and hopes to continue offering gas throughout construction.
Source: Joseph Kafi, JAK Cubed, LCC
Writer: Natalie Burg
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