|
Press Release |
|
Ford Land, Ford Motor Company's real estate and development arm, today announced its development of Fairlane Green, a 1 million-square-foot green retail and recreational center on the 243-acre site of the recently closed Allen Park Clay Mine Landfill. Fairlane Green is the largest landfill redevelopment project in Michigan and the largest under construction in the country for retail use. In all, nearly two-thirds of the site will be natural green space, including a 43-acre park and 3.5 miles of trails. "Fairlane Green is a truly innovative development that is setting a new standard for responsible land use and development," said Sean McCourt, chairman of Ford Land. "It will be a highly visible and tangible demonstration of Ford Motor Company's belief that good business can and should be environmentally and socially responsible. "Fairlane Green lives up to its name on several levels,” said McCourt. “We’re developing on a brownfield, or environmentally challenged site, designing a site plan that preserves more land than it develops, and incorporating environmentally friendly features into the construction.” Ford has worked closely with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) to ensure the integrity of the landfill and long-term development potential of the site. The site, located between Oakwood
Boulevard and Outer Drive, and Interstate 94 and the Southfield
Freeway (Michigan 39) in Allen Park, is a welcome addition to the
Allen Park and Dearborn communities, providing an area destination for
dining, shopping and recreation. The economic benefits are equally
important, as the site adds a valuable tax base and approximately
2,000 jobs.
"The City of Allen Park is fortunate to partner with world class developers," said Richard Huebler, Allen Park mayor. "I am very proud to see this re-use of land, which will provide new employment opportunities and shopping experiences for the residents of Allen Park." The first phase of development calls for 408,000 square feet of retail businesses on 105 acres. Subsequent phases include the park and approximately 600,000 square feet of additional retail. Ford Land sold Phase I to Archon Group, the real estate subsidiary of Goldman Sachs, located in Irving, Texas, but remains active in construction, geotechnical and environmental aspects of the project. Ford owns remaining phases of the planned development. According to Brad Kempson, director of retail leasing at Archon, Phase I will be anchored by a 124,000-square-foot Target store to open in October 2005. Other signed national retailers include Barnes & Noble, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Famous Footwear, Lane Bryant, Longhorn Steakhouse, Michael's, Old Navy, On-the-Border, Pier 1 Imports, T.J. Maxx and World Market. Most plan to open this fall. "We’re excited to participate in such a landmark development," said Curt Bailey, Archon's Midwest director of retail acquisitions. "Fairlane Green showcases our firm’s retail development expertise and converts a previously unusable site into one the residents of Allen Park can be proud to have as part of their community."
Sustainability "Fairlane Green demonstrates Ford Motor Company's commitment to being a leader in sustainable design and development," said McCourt. "Environmental responsibility has long been a key value of Ford Motor Company." Ford describes sustainable initiatives as those that are responsible environmentally, socially and financially. According to McCourt, sustainability delivers long-term cost benefits, promotes the conservation of resources and supports the development of natural habitats. Some of the sustainable and environmental features of Fairlane Green include:
Overall, approximately two-thirds of
the 243-acre site will be green – not covered by parking, roads or
rooftops. This is 60% less dense than average retail developments
based on square feet per acre. (The International Council of Shopping
Centers estimates typical retail yields at 10,000 square feet per
acre, while Fairlane Green is
approximately 4,000 square feet per acre.)
Through its LEED Green Building Rating System, the USGBC provides national standards for sustainable buildings. Other LEED-certified buildings Ford helped develop include the Premier Automotive Group's North American Headquarters in Irvine, Calif., the Detroit Lions Headquarters and Training Facility in Allen Park, Mich., and the Ford Rouge Visitor Center in Dearborn, Mich. Going beyond the core and shell development, tenants of Fairlane Green are encouraged to pursue sustainability within their buildings. Target, for example, has partnered with Ford to contribute to this environmentally sound development. In addition to sustainable elements found at all Target stores, such as white roof membranes and high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, this store will include several innovative sustainable features. More than 250 skylights will save energy by allowing light fixtures to be turned off when conditions allow natural daylight to illuminate the sales floor, and a cistern on the roof will recycle rainwater. Landfill Background
As the landfill cells neared capacity in the last few years, Ford developed a closure and post-closure plan with the MDEQ to ensure the integrity of the site and compliance with all applicable regulations to support the development. “Ford Land’s commitment to transforming a brownfield into functional green space is commendable,” said MDEQ Director Steven E. Chester. “This project shows that a healthy environment and a healthy economy can, and do, go hand in hand.” Brownfield Development To encourage development of the site, Ford obtained approval for up to $30 million in tax increment financing (TIF) from the MDEQ and city of Allen Park to reimburse the extraordinary costs associated with building on top of a landfill. These costs include measures to reduce settlement, protect the landfill cap, reinforce slopes and construct utilities. "The state of Michigan and city of Allen Park have been extremely supportive of this project," said McCourt. "Through their brownfield programs, they have leveled the playing field for developers who would otherwise find it cost-prohibitive to develop environmentally challenged sites." Site Contractors |
