Southfield Council OKs multiple redevelopment incentives to convert vacant offices, attract manufacturers

Southfield — The Saltfield City Council on Oct. 27 approved a slate of economic-development incentives and site approvals aimed at converting underused office buildings and luring employers to the city.

Council members authorized an Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act (OPRA) district and issued an OPRA exemption certificate for the West 11 redevelopment proposed by Brady Sullivan Properties, clearing the way to convert two office towers into roughly 305 market-rate apartments with ground‑floor commercial space. Ben Kafoury, a Brady Sullivan representative, described an adaptive-reuse plan with indoor and outdoor amenities aimed at creating a “live-work-play” environment in the West 11 complex. The site plan review for the conversion was approved by council.

Why it matters: The project taps a state incentive to reduce tax burdens during renovation while keeping tax revenue flowing to local jurisdictions on the pre‑development base; city staff said the conversion is unlikely to move forward without the OPRA assistance.

Council also approved two separate industrial‑district requests and personal‑property tax exemptions that city staff said are designed to keep or bring manufacturing and corporate headquarters jobs to Southfield:

- Angstrom North America (Pushpalatha LLC), 25302–25330 Telegraph Road: Council established an industrial development district and approved a 10‑year personal‑property tax exemption after Angstrom described planned tenant‑improvement and equipment investment of about $4.15 million and said it would consolidate several local operations into the site. Deepak Bala, Angstrom’s facilities director, told council the move would add staff and benefit local suppliers.

- Methode Electronics, 25650 W. 11 Mile: Council established an industrial district and approved a request for a 10‑year personal‑property exemption tied to the company’s plan to relocate corporate functions to Southfield and invest in building improvements. Methode executives said the relocation would bring jobs and a significant capital investment to the city.

The Pistons Group and Piston Automotive: Council approved personal‑property exemptions and lease‑term incentives for the Pistons Group’s corporate offices at Town Center and for Piston Automotive’s planned move into two floors at 2000 Town Center. Company representatives said the transactions will consolidate local functions and create new positions; council members said they expect the businesses to work with local training partners.

Votes and process notes: The motions establishing districts and approving exemption certificates passed after the council held required public hearings. City staff said approvals carry written development agreements stipulating that incentives can be rescinded and taxes recaptured if recipients do not meet their commitments.

What’s next: Developers and property owners will execute agreements with the city and proceed with permitting and construction. The Brady Sullivan site plan work proceeds under the city’s building and planning review schedule.

Sources: Presentations and public hearings during the Oct. 27 Southfield City Council meeting, West 11 development materials and staff summaries.