Benton Harbor's Fairplain Plaza is Purchased
Coventry/DDR purchased the entire Fairplain Plaza at a cost of $26-million dollars. The shopping center is already home to Target, T.J. Maxx, Old Navy, Dunham's Sports, Office Depot, Pier One Imports, Rite Aid, and many more. The new owner plans to invest another $10-million!

Leath Furniture is a Benton Harbor landmark. For 58 years the store has done well. Of the 26 locations, Benton Harbor was the 4th. most profitable last year. As a result Leath has made this local store, a prime location, and doubled their store size.

What's New Downtown Saint Joseph

There is a lot of activity going on downtown. It’s a “who’s who” involved in moving to new locations, opening of new businesses and employees becoming owners. All exciting and good things!
Kilwins’s has moved across the street from the 300 block to the 200 block. DK Boutique has moved from the corner of State and Broad to the 200 block. Bobbie Gertel sold Bloomies, Etc. to employee Nick Hansen who is bringing in gourmet foods and will sell wine in the future. Nick has changed the name to Bloomies Flower Studio. Bobbie has kept Gertel’s Decorating and has not retired, but is busy as usual. We are delighted to welcome Stephanie Hemstead with Gotta Go Pottery and Hug “n” Stuff on Broad St., Hollie Blakeney with Chartreuse Studio & Gallery on Pleasant, and Jaime Longoria with Rio’s Mexican Food on Pleasant.
Opening soon is a new ladies boutique, in with Landis and V&A Bootery. They will not share the space but a separate store (within the store) is being constructed. A beauty shop is moving into the space across from newcomer Rio’s on the other side of the Pleasant Street alley. Nearly every space downtown is now occupied, so we should pretty much have a full house for the summer. Another new business to the area is being signed and we will look forward to that announcement soon.

This historic building in Benton Harbor is being totally remodeled into several loft condos. Back decks have been added to enhance the view of the city. This hotel is in the center of the Arts District and fine restaurants.

Benton Harbor is building a 3rd. new building at the mall, all in the last 6 months. Kohls will be the business moving in this fall. With the 500 acre Harbor Shore development having started, all is in place for the many support businesses to begin looking for available sites in outlining areas. Benton Harbor and Saint Joseph have become two communities working together. Housing starts have increased in anticipation of the large influx of workers that will be in the area over the next ten years. Chicago residents are finding that our area is keeping the small town charm, while expanding the business community in outlining areas. For more information e-mail CarlBrecht@netscape.net

Historic Saint Joseph was founded by Germans coming to an area rich in soil and shipping. Over the years many from around the country found a town that has remained peaceful and just a bit slower than the rest of the world. A city that has become a destination to be highly regarded as a place to retire. Lake Michigan that has a beach known as one of America’s top ten. A secret in Saint Joseph is Taste of Europe. The finest in European foods and pastries. Located at 822 Main St. The entrance is in a small cottage on Price St. You may want to call first and ask for either Mira or Tom Spirov at 982-1776. In warm weather you may sit out. Catering is available.
Soon you will see Saint Joseph and Benton Harbor come to life. An area of 500 acres just north of town will see the beginning of a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. Included this area will be an array of housing and shops. Marzke Realty will be the only local developer. For further information, please e-mail CarlBrecht@netscape.net
Two Romantic Places to stay
South Cliff Inn, is a Bed & Breakfast located at 1900 Lakeshore Dr. St. Joseph with views of the lake. 269-983-4881
Boulevard Inn & Bistro, views of the lake. 521 Lake Blvd. St. Joseph 269-983-6600

Benton Harbor Sunrise Rotary built a new home on Hull Street. Meeting the new family after the home was built brought smiles and tears to many. This home was built through Habitat for Humanity by Rotarians throughout the area in just four days. The park across the street is presently getting a face lift. What makes these homes affordable is the homeowners have a mortgage without the interest. For investment opportunities, please e-mail
carlbrecht@netscape.net

New restoration project will begin this summer. A client is purchasing this historical home on Pipestone in Benton Harbor. The color photo is from a post card from the early 1900's. As you can see from the present photo the front porch will need to be reconstructed. The interior woodwork has never been painted, which will make restoration much easier. There shall be future updates on one of Benton Harbor's fine homes. For more information on other homes, please feel free to e-mail or call directly, Carl Brecht at 269-449-1656

Living in Saint Joseph, Michigan.

With over 26 years experience in real estate, the Brecht Team is here to offer you more. Living in town on State street, we are in the heart of town. We have an extensive education, which includes contract and property law, in law school. Kathleen specializes in residential buyers and sellers while Carl’s focus is in Commercial real estate. Browse the Benton Spirit for the latest commercial listings. Our web-site is www.BrechtTeam.com. With extensive listings on www.loopnet.com and www.Biz BuySell.com
Office - 269-408-0000 cell - 499 –1656 0r 74
Ask for Carl or Kathleen

Harbor Shore a 500 plus acre development will transform Benton Harbor/St. Joseph from a quaint twin city area along Lake Michigan to the hottest vacation destination in the Midwest. Including a Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course, Art District, Indoor Water Park, and much more