Lansing-based real estate developer Boji Group is bringing two retail outlets, and its own headquarters along with other developments, to downtown Birmingham. Together, the developments represent an investment of more than $70 million.
The new stores are CB2, a modern furniture and contemporary home décor store that is part of the Crate & Barrel company, and Serena & Lily, a casual comfort home furnishings store.
CB2 will move into the former Panera location at the northeast corner of W. Maple Road and N. Old Woodward and Serena & Lily will take over the former Linda Dresner store at 299 W. Maple.
Beginning this week, Boji Group says it will begin development of the Maplewood building, which will house CB2. The store will occupy the entire ground floor with plans to open its 7,467-square-foot location in late 2022.
“CB2 is obsessed with all things design and Birmingham has become a central location for designers and the design-minded in Michigan,” says Ryan Turf, president of CB2. “We see our brick and mortars as an additional touchpoint for those customers, bridging an extended footprint and select assortment with more integrated services for everyone who wants unique and enduring design.”
Boji says it also plans to continue the development of the Maplewood building with a three-story addition showcasing an additional 10,000 square feet of office space for upcoming occupancy. The entire development represents a $17.5-million investment.
Serena & Lily is expected to move into the 7,945-square-foot Linda Dresner building, being renamed MapleBates, on the corner of Maple and Bates St. by the end of July 2022. The development represents a $3.2 million investment.
“I have been incredibly impressed with Birmingham and the vision the city and residents have for their community,” says Ron Boji, president and CEO of Boji Group. “Not only are we investing in the city, we’re also planning to move our headquarters here. The prosperity of the downtown greatly contributes to the vibrancy of the neighborhoods, and we’re pleased to be a part of that.”
This new investment by Boji Group and international retailers follows recent announcements by RH, formerly Restoration Hardware, of plans to build a four-story $50 million, 49,624-square-foot retail storefront with a rooftop restaurant at the southwest corner of S. Old Woodward and E. Brown Street. The acquisition of the land parcels was spearheaded by Boji Group.
“The continued investment we’re seeing in downtown, especially from developers and retailers that are committed to maintaining and contributing to a walkable and vibrant community are exciting,” says Pierre Boutros, mayor pro-tem of Birmingham. “We’re proud that our community continues to be seen as a destination for a diverse selection of activities, whether shopping and dining, or for our great parks, neighborhoods and walkable downtown.”
