Novi is already 65% built out with retail, with 2.2 million sf in place, says Greg Capote, the city's economic development coordinator. He would rather Landon bring in offices or light industrial but the city has to follow a negotiated settlement that allowed the new development.

The company changed the zoning from industrial to retail, more in line with the surrounding area. Light industry has been popular in the city, Capote says.

"We encourage high tech and research and development uses in Novi," Capotetells GlobeSt.com. "Our strong companies are Magna, Fada and Siemens, to name a few. However, how the developer builds on the land is up to them."

Tom High, vice president of Landon, would not elaborate on the settlement. He says his company should have the site plans through for city approval by December, and construction could start soon after. Demand has been steady since the project was announced, High adds. The company has already snared a contract with a national retailer that wants to take 125,000 sf to anchor the property. He wouldn't elaborate on the type ofbusiness, but did say it's not a grocery store.

"That's not to say we're not looking for grocery stores," he adds.

The site is perfectly located, he says.

"Grand River is being improved as we speak, and the interchange on I-696 is scheduled for a total work-over in the spring. There's also barely any retail left in the city; you just can't find it in Novi," High tells GlobeSt.com.

A mile or two away, the new $140-million Fountain Walk on 12 Mile Road is gathering steam. The 737,000-sf retail development is filling up with a private skate park, a movie theater and sporting goods stores.