Council approves site plan for Grobels production facility on Stevens Avenue

The St. Clair Shores City Council approved a site plan Dec. 2 for exterior renovations and a 300-square-foot maintenance vestibule at 20643 Stevens for Global Properties (Grobels), with conditions the planning commission recommended.

A representative for the applicant, Ryan Schack of EW Global, described the work as modest exterior improvements and a new front entrance to create a consolidated visitor entry and reception. “This facility is going to be our flagship,” Schack said, explaining the company plans to use the space for production and a presentation kitchen for invited customers.

City planning staff summarized the application: the project adds a north-side maintenance vestibule and a trash enclosure and proposes beautification of the Stevens-facing façade. The planning commission recommended approval with several conditions, including a six-foot concrete screen wall at the northwest property line (stepping down across the last 25 feet to meet the sidewalk), and that all mechanical equipment be screened from view.

Council discussion was broadly supportive; several councilmembers welcomed the reuse and investment in a large, long‑vacant industrial building. Councilmember Frederick noted the applicant’s commitment to repaving and site improvements and urged coordination with neighbors about the northwest screen wall requirement. Councilmember Vitale suggested the applicant consider additional landscaping along the green belt between the site and nearby properties.

The council voted to approve planning case PPC 24018 with the planning‑commission conditions. The decision requires the owner to meet the screening and wall‑height staircase conditions specified in the motion.