Construction crews work on Meijer’s new entrance off of W. Carleton Road. Lauren Scott | Collegian

Meijer expects to open its Hillsdale store by the early summer of 2024.

“It’s something that a city of our size kind of drools over,” City of Hillsdale Zoning Administrator Alan Beeker said.

Construction is halfway complete and Meijer hopes to finish its outdoor work before winter, according to Meijer External Communications Manager Erin Cataldo, who said the store will open on time if weather does not delay the project. 

The company usually announces store openings 60 days beforehand, Cataldo said. According to Beeker, Meijer is spending more than $20 million on the project.

Hillsdale City Manager David Mackie said the company will likely finish construction by March. 

“From the city’s standpoint construction has been going very well,” Mackie said.

Mackie said the City of Hillsdale’s building department and the Hillsdale Board of Public Utilities have been working with Meijer on construction. 

The city has been helping Meijer install a 12-inch water main, relocate and connect power lines, and make adjustments to M-99, according to Beeker.

“Just the sheer amount of dirt that they have moved to make this happen is mind boggling,” Beeker said. “There was a very significant hill on the site and the hill has been completely removed.”

The city will prepare Meijer’s future entrance at the intersection of W. Carleton Road and W. Moore Road, Beeker said, by adding a stoplight, improving road alignment, and adding acceleration and deceleration lanes. 

Cataldo said the store will create 250 to 300 jobs. City officials  hope the store will generate more economic activity, according to Mackie.

“Increased activity will provide Hillsdale and Hillsdale County residents with additional commercial options and increased tax revenue to enhance the community,” Mackie said. “Meijer has been a great corporate partner to work with.”

Beeker said he was cautiously optimistic about how such a large store would affect the community.

“It’s bright and shiny and everyone wants to see it bright and shiny,” Beeker said. “It’s one of those things that make you kind of hold your breath.”

City of Hillsdale Mayor Adam Stockford said on Facebook he is excited for the new store.

“This project and the other new franchises going out there are such a big win for the Hillsdale community,” Stockford said. 

Meijer bought 50 acres for the new store in Fayette Township near Bullhead Lake in 2017. The township signed an agreement with the city, giving the city authority over the property and extending city services. The company got most of its reviews and permits by the end of 2022, according to Beeker. 

The Meijer property was once home to a farm with a Mail Pouch Tobacco barn. The barn was deconstructed and removed in the spring. While there were initially no plans to preserve the historic Mail Pouch Tobacco advertisement, Cataldo said the company was happy to preserve it with the help of the Hillsdale County Historical Society. 

“We’ve had great support from the community,” Cataldo said.