Recreate State
State Street has long been a commercial corridor in Saginaw County. Beginning in the early 1960s, State Street boomed as the core commercial area in Saginaw Charter Township. In the 1970s when the Interstate 675 was constructed new development and investment shifted to the Bay and Tittabawassee Road Corridors. Many long-time residents of the Township can remember a time when State Street was the primary commercial district in Saginaw County. Stretching some three miles from Passolt Road in the City of Saginaw, west to the Tittabawassee River, State Street has played a pivotal role in the overall development of the Township.
With the City of Saginaw located along the east portion of State Street, housing and commercial businesses began to develop during the post war era. The majority of many of the first homes in the Township were built relatively close to the City of Saginaw in the 1950s. This post World War boom not only encouraged residents to make Saginaw Township their home – but businesses as well. Dozens of businesses followed people as they moved near State Street and the south end of Bay Road. Many of the oldest businesses are still operating in these areas, having had their start in the early 1950s. These first businesses were local owners with local connections to the community. Many worked and lived in the Township. This main artery also provided a critical link between residents in surrounding communities and Township Businesses.
As population grew in the Township, so did commercial growth. Green Acres Plaza, one of the first outdoor shopping plazas in the region, was constructed in 1961. Strip development continued along State Street out toward Midland Road, with neighborhoods on either side of development. Construction of I-675 was not completed until 1971 and Fashion Square Mall opened in 1972, with the last of its anchor stores constructed in 1975. By 1978, Fashion Square Mall was well established and growth was beginning to occur just west of the mall at the intersection of Bay and Tittabawassee Roads.
During the 80s and 90s portions of State Street struggled with occupancy. There was a need to attract new and dynamic investment to the corridor. What would typically be seen as a devastating blow to a community, the shuttering of Kmart on State Street was the catalyst that began its renaissance. With the help of the Shaheen Family in 1994, an abandoned big box shell (the former Kmart), became a regional draw for weddings, seminars and special events. Businesses and residents saw a reversal of fortune along State Street. In 1998, WalMart joined the trend and began development of their store, located at Brockway and Wieneke.
During the past five to ten years, significant reinvestment has been made along the corridor and the average daily traffic counts are among the highest in the area. It is obvious that these trends are continuing. WalMart has expanded to a 24-hour Supercenter. Menard’s, Inc., is open. As expansions, reuse of vacant sites and new development continues to happen along State Street; new potential is seen for improvements of existing businesses and of the corridor itself. The redevelopment of Green Acres has provided a wonderful impetus for the implementation of a beautification plan for State Street. A list of current construction projects is available here.
October meeting minutes (draft)
December meeting minutes (draft)
NOTICE FEBRUARY 20, 2008 MEETING
Dan Andrews Realtor |
Tim Braun Township Supervisor |
Peter Brucker Planning Commission Chairman |
Ron Crawford Owner |
Mary Lou Feldotte | Dick Garber Owner |
Rob Grose Asst. Township Manager |
Jessica Gwizdala Director of Marketing |
Jim Kelly Township Board Trustee |
Ron Lee Township Manager |
Tim Lynch Owner |
Bill McDonald Owner |
Peter Shaheen Owner |
Lynda Slaggert Township Resident |
Bridget Smith Township Planner |
