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Council approves 35-year land lease with Copper Rock for Chinook Pier redevelopment
Summary
City council authorized a 35-year land lease with Copper Rock (301 North Harbor LLC) to advance redevelopment of the Chinook Pier site, allowing the developer to pursue site plan approvals and incentives aimed at a 2026 construction start.
Grand Haven City Council voted Sept. 15 to approve a land lease with 301 North Harbor LLC (Copper Rock) for redevelopment of the Chinook Pier property, authorizing city leaders to sign the lease and allowing the development team to begin site-plan work and incentive requests.
City Manager Ashley Latch told council the lease has an initial 35-year term with extension options and that the developer—s proposal includes three commercial buildings: a restaurant, an office/retail building and an indoor-outdoor market facility to be owned and operated by the developer. The team also plans to relocate and operate a mini-golf attraction and to assume maintenance responsibilities for the parking lot and surrounding grounds as defined in the lease exhibits.
Developer comment and timeline Greg Taylor, representing Copper Rock, told council the developer and city staff had worked extensively to refine a shared vision and said his team is "eager to get started." City staff said approving the lease allows the developer to move forward with site-plan approvals and incentive applications and that, if approvals proceed on schedule, a construction start in 2026 is possible.
Why it matters: The lease is intended to activate a currently underused waterfront site with new commercial amenities and public-facing attractions. The city will receive lease payments and will begin collecting property taxes on improved value once the facility is constructed; the developer will carry the capital cost and operate the facilities described in the lease.
Council discussion Council members praised the public-private partnership, while some raised details about maintenance, phased responsibilities and mini-golf relocation placement. One council member called the proposed market and public programming "a huge contribution to this community," and several members noted that additional council votes and a development agreement will follow before construction begins.
Vote: The motion to approve the land-lease agreement carried with unanimous council support at the Sept. 15 meeting. City staff and the development team will proceed with permitting, site-plan review and incentive requests.
