Hazel Park Welcomes Park 54 Development, Names Street for Former Mayor
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Jan. 4, 2020)
Hazel Park, MI- While their official motto – displayed proudly in the city’s new logo – is “The Friendly City,” Hazel Park is also often referred to as “Hip, Happening, Hazel Park.”  And as Robertson Brothers Homes begins work on a 54 home project in the core of the community, they’re banking on it being all those things and more.
There’s even a nod to a former Mayor worked into the plans.
“Hazel Park is experiencing a renaissance with new residential and commercial development due to its convenient location between Royal Oak, Ferndale and Detroit,” said Robertson Senior Vice President Darian Neubecker.
That’s why when the former St. Mary’s School property became available, the regionally-recognized developer decided it was time to put some roots down and be part of the community’s growth.
Park 54 will be a community of condominiums starting at $214,990 where residents can own their home for around $1,100 per month. Ground has already broken on the site which is on Woodward Heights (9 ½ Mile) between John R. and Dequindre, and they expect to have the first residents moving in come summertime.
Several homes have already sold, but there are plenty still available.
The tri-level condos are a style Robertson has dubbed “Aspen,” which features 2 bedrooms and 2.5 baths with an attached garage.  “We first introduced the Aspen at the Parkdale Townes in Ferndale to much success and have built it in a few other locations,” said Michelle Bryon, Marketing Director for the builders.
Financing for the homes is easy, and Neubecker adds that “Park 54 has a Neighborhood Enterprise Zone that significantly reduces property taxes for homeowners for a period of 8 years.”
Another exciting feature of the project is that it adds a new street to the city.  Jeff Keeton Drive was named in honor of the former Mayor.
Jeff Keeton served as Mayor of Hazel Park from 1991 to 1995.  He then served on City Council from 2002 to 2016, and he became mayor again in 2016 after the resignation of former Mayor Jan Parisi.  He served as mayor until he retired in 2017.
“Jeff Keeton has played a major role in Hazel Park’s history, serving the community across the better part of three decades,” said City Manager Ed Klobucher.  “He was member of the Long Council, along with Jack Lloyd, Jan Parisi, Andy LeCureaux, and Michael Webb, which sat together for over 12 Years, and helped navigate Hazel Park through some of its most trying financial circumstances.  Jeff Keeton cofounded the Hazel Park Arts Council, and he was an avid promoter of local businesses.  A labor relations specialist by profession, Jeff Keeton always worked hard to foster fair labor relations between the City of Hazel Park and its employees.
“I have worked with a lot of council members since I have been with the City of Hazel Park.  Jeff Keeton was one of the best.  He was never afraid to make tough decisions.  Jeff isn’t just smart, he’s wise.  I will always value his opinion.”
Klobucher is excited about Park 54, as well as other wins the city has had over the past few years.  Among them are a slew of successful mom and pop businesses, a range of restaurants from greasy spoon to fine dining, a thriving marijuana market, a growing emphasis on public art and artisan spaces, and the attraction of an Amazon distribution center to the land that used to house the Hazel Park raceway.
“This development will be a good thing for the city of Hazel Park.  It will add housing options and increase the tax base.  Robertson has a great reputation, and we look forward to working with them to ensure a successful development,” he said.
There is an information center on the corner of John R. and Woodward Heights that is open Monday Noon to 5 pm, Thursday – Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm or by appointment.
Learn more about the project and the homes at the Robertson Brothers Homes website.