Axiom Pushes $160M Up North Theme Park

GRAYLING TOWNSHIP, MI-A group of Midwest investors known as Main Street America Inc. has a Dec. 6 meeting date with state officials to work out concerns to buy 1,800 acres of public land, for an ambitious plan to build a $160-million, year-round theme park that would include roller coasters, a water park and even a real life World War II aircraft carrier. Axiom Entertainment of Rochester Hills is representing the investors, who include Jack Rouse Associates, the developer and manager of parks such as Universal Studios and various Legolands.

The state is trying to make sure the company has safe plans for the land at the northeast corner of Interstate 75 and Four Mile Road, including wastewater concerns, in an area dominated by tourists and second-home owners. An Axiom spokeswoman says the company environmental plans will meet state and federal requirements.

The property was offered to the township by the state as an industrial park, but no buildings were ever built. The township Planning Commission has approved a concept plan and zoning, and will accept the formal proposal if the state allows the sale of the land, reportedly for about $5.2 million, to proceed. The partnership’s preliminary agreement to buy the property from the state expires in late December. A proposed timetable has the project completed by 2010, if the approval is given next month.