Nearly a decade after retailers abandoned the old Kmart plaza in Grand Blanc, plans are slowly beginning to take shape as a few retailers have made commitments to set up shop in the long-vacant space.

Grand Blanc Plaza Abandoned Since 2014

The plaza, once home to Farmer Jack and Kmart, will be dubbed 'Grand Blanc Marketplace.' Farmer Jack closed its doors in 2007 and Kmart closed for good in 2014, leaving the space near South Saginaw and Holly Roads empty. The space has remained vacant ever since, with no real plan for the future until it was purchased by a developer in 2019.  

In November of last year, an announcement was made that the Markus Development Group had purchased the space and presented a proposal to the Grand Blanc Planning Commission, saying it planned to renovate the building in order to make it available for new retailers.

That proposal was accepted by the Grand Blanc Planning Commission with January of this year targeted for work to begin.

Subs, Coffee, and More

Several retailers are coming on board, with commitments from businesses that plan to set up shop in the near future.

The images below which were posted on Facebook are a little difficult to read, but here's what we know so far.

Starbucks will plan to relocate from its current location on Saginaw Street into the newly developed space.

Jersey Mike's sub shop, Panda Express, and 2941 Street Food will also occupy suites in the plaza. 2941 Street Food serves Mediterranean food, with locations currently in Royal Oak, Bloomfield, Rochester Hills, and Auburn Hills. Plans are also in the works for a business specializing in physical therapy to open as well.

At the time of this writing, no firm opening dates have been established for any retailers.

Plans Begin to Take Shape for Grand Blanc Marketplace

The pictures below give us a glimpse of what to expect to open in the abandoned Kmart plaza in Grand Blanc.

The development will be dubbed 'Grand Blanc Marketplace.'

A Nostalgic Look Back Inside the Infamous Auker Mansion of Grand Blanc

The big house with the large gates on Belsay Road in Grand Blanc, Michigan has been as mysterious as the man who built the massive 14,000+ square foot home that resembled more of a palace than a Midwest home. The late builder Eldon Auker was known for his creativity and flamboyance on some levels, his mansion reflected every bit of that. With its 20 foot ceilings, majestic staircase, and a 3000 square foot bedroom, the home was a showplace. Sold in 2020, it's hard to know if changes were made to the once amazing estate, but it's exciting to be able to take a little look back in time to what once was.

Flint + Saginaw's Most-Popular TV Anchors - Where Are They Now?

A lot of highly talented people have sat behind the anchor desks at the area's TV stations.

We're taking a look at some of the area's most popular news, weather, and sports anchors who have visited our homes electronically and then moved on.

A Look Back at What Happened to Michigan's Popular Sugar Loaf Ski Resort

The once-popular northern Michigan ski resort was finally demolished in November of 202. Before its final demise, it lay in ruins for years. Considered at one time to be one of the best ski resorts around,  the lodge would see 3,000 to 4,000 skiers a day and was once the largest employer in Leelanau County. Take a look at the creepy shambles Sugar Loaf was left in for years.

More From Banana 101.5