County commissioners say Guardian Building cigar-lounge concept not part of current lease proposal; EDC oversight questions raised

Guardian Building property manager Shannon Haight told the Wayne County Commission that a proposed tenant amenity that briefly included a cigar lounge is not part of the lease terms submitted to the commission and is not expected to move forward.

Haight, identified herself as property manager at the Guardian Building, said the idea of a 1,500-square-foot cigar lounge on the 30th floor was one of several “pot‑shot” ideas used during negotiations to retain a large tenant. "There is no status at this time," she said, and staff submitted the tenant proposal to the tenant and to the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) without the cigar lounge included.

Why it matters: Commissioners said the lounge raised concerns about ventilation, public access and the EDC's authority to manage county property. Several commissioners said they…