The development is projected to create at least 25 new long-term positions for the Sturgis community. This projection includes staffing for the apartment complex and steakhouse. Additionally, the project is estimated to fuel as many as 50 construction positions.
Sturgis, like communities across America, is facing an unprecedented housing shortage. The shortage has led to elevated home prices and climbing rents, thwarting first- time homebuyers from entering the market. By building a new, mixed-use residential and retail building in downtown Sturgis, the city gains 23 new housing units ideal for young professionals and transitioning homeowners alike. This increase in supply will directly help to alleviate the local housing burden and aid in attracting new talent to Sturgis’ economic center.
The current lack of housing is not only pinching resident pockets, but also driving worker shortages throughout the area. By adding housing density to the downtown area, Sturgis will improve local employers’ ability to hire and retain staff. Further, by upgrading out-of-date buildings, Root and Branch Real Estate aims to increase the value of downtown real estate, make future investment more economically viable, and position the city to capitalize on economic growth opportunities – such as the $35 million investment by a large recreational vehicle manufacturer in Sturgis. Upgrading retail space and finding tenants who complement existing local businesses will position downtown Sturgis to become a retail and entertainment destination.
By adding housing density to the downtown area, Sturgis will improve local employers’ ability to hire and retain staff, while bringing more foot traffic to the business district. The increased foot traffic will benefit existing and future businesses, and the farm-to-table steakhouse will offer local businesses and residents alike an expanded culinary experience.
In addition to generating needed housing and strengthening downtown Sturgis as a retail and entertainment destination, the project stands to strengthen the local economy and position Sturgis for the future. The project will provide additional basis to support community institutions, including the city, the public school system, the local hospital, and other vital community infrastructure, while enhancing Sturgis’ ability to secure further investment by Michigan-based production facilities.
The apartments are scheduled to be complete in late summer 2024. The complete Watershed project, including the restaurant, is scheduled to be complete in fall/winter 2024.
We explored a variety of building options – including renovation – when designing this property. However, to bring a much-needed mix of housing and retail space to the downtown corridor, it became unfeasible to involve historic renovation.
Downtown Sturgis features a mix of traditional and historic architecture. The new project has been designed with traditional elements specific to the time period in which Sturgis was originally constructed, including a brick façade and trim details crafted to complement existing structures in the downtown. Additionally, the third through fifth floors have been set back from the perimeter of
the main structure to de-emphasize the tower, provide communal outdoor space for residents, and preserve a historic aesthetic.
Root and Branch Real Estate is working closely with the City of Sturgis to evaluate and plan for parking needs associated with the growth of downtown Sturgis. Currently, there are 436 free, public parking lot spaces within two blocks of the development, including a shared parking lot behind the building with 20 public overnight parking spots. Additionally, street parking is available throughout downtown, and GT Independence plans to convert some of the company’s parking lot spaces, located at the corner of North and John St., into public parking for residents and employees of the development to ensure ample overflow parking for the downtown corridor.
We expect to welcome residents to the Watershed in late summer 2024. For the latest information on the apartments, including how to apply, please visit thewatershedsturgis.com.
There will be 23 apartments, mostly studio and 1 bedroom apartments ranging from 400-1100 sq. ft.
The Watershed will offer modern studio, 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom apartment homes ranging from 400-1100 sq. ft. Rents will range from $695-1,800 per month.
Apartments will have many amenities including electronic access control, gas washer/dryer, and a club room/patio on the 3rd floor. Visit thewatershedsturgis.com for more information.
Root and Branch is working with the restaurant development team to create a destination concept that is unique and reflects the authentic character of the community.
Root and Branch Real Estate, in partnership with GT Independence, a national leader in self-directed services for people with disabilities and long-term care needs is working with a nationally recognized program to create employment opportunities at the restaurant for people with disabilities.
Root and Branch and GT Independence are committed to ensuring that all people can participate in their community with full rights. This includes the right to be paid a fair market wage. Any participant in the program will be paid a fair market wage.
The restaurant is expected to open in fall/winter 2024.