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Council approves site plan to convert former pharmacy at 23201 Martyr Road into five retail spaces
Summary
The St. Clair Shores City Council unanimously approved a site plan to split the vacant Rite Aid at 23201 Martyr Road into five tenant spaces, retaining the existing drive-through window as a pickup lane and directing staff to ensure uniform storefront appearance and shared dumpster access.
The St. Clair Shores City Council voted unanimously March 2 to approve a site plan to renovate the former pharmacy at 23201 Martyr Road into five tenant spaces, keeping the existing drive-through lane and window for pickup use.
Architect Matthew Jonia of MBJ Architects told the council the project will reconfigure storefronts and canopies and make only exterior renovations within the building footprint. "We're not looking to propose any additional site work," Jonia said, adding the proposal does not include new landscaping or expansion of the site footprint.
Council members pressed the developers on likely tenant uses, parking and lighting. "I think it's a great idea in terms of taking some of these stores to where you're not going to have a retailer take that much space and split it up," said Council member Karen, who noted the adaptation makes the property more attractive to smaller tenants. Property manager Dennis Shalom confirmed the drive-through window would be used primarily as a pickup window, not a full fast-food ordering lane, and said the developer will leave in place the existing poles and building lighting rather than add new fixtures.
Council members also discussed parking coordination with adjacent Kroger property and said they expect tenant-specific approvals if a future business applies for a drive-through use. "If they wanted to drive through there, then they could apply for it and see if they can get it or not," the project representative said, describing tenant-level permitting as the right approach.
The council recorded the motion to approve the site plan "including keeping the drive-thru lane and window and ensuring the windows are all uniform in appearance." The motion, moved by Council member Rebello and supported by Council member Burgess, passed 7-0.
Next steps include building permit approvals and tenant recruitment; council members and the developer said they will coordinate on parking management and final signage prior to tenant openings.
