Novi Unveils Sakura Novi: Michigan’s First Asian-Inspired Development

News Summary

Novi, Michigan, proudly opens Sakura Novi, a mixed-use development that celebrates Asian culture. Featuring Sakura Gardens, a Japanese-inspired park, the project transforms a vacant site into a vibrant hub for community interaction and cultural experiences. With over 130 townhomes and plans for various Asian restaurants and shops, the development aims to enhance diversity in the region and provide an engaging space for locals and visitors alike.

Novi, Michigan has celebrated the grand opening of Sakura Novi, the state’s first Asian-inspired mixed-use development, marking a notable moment in the city’s cultural and urban landscape. The recently completed Sakura Gardens, a Japanese-inspired public green space, serves as the centerpiece of this significant urban renewal project.

Sakura Gardens features a variety of attractions designed to enhance the visitor experience, including a walking path surrounding a 2-acre pond, cherry blossom trees, and diverse plant life. Visitors can enjoy seating areas overlooking the water and engage with a sensory play area crafted from natural materials. A central plaza within the gardens has been designated for community events, promoting local engagement and interaction.

Co-owners Scott Aikens and Phil Kim have overseen the development, which has transformed a previously vacant 10-acre site along Grand River Avenue. The project has made substantial progress in residential offerings as well, with over 130 out of 176 planned townhomes already completed. Approximately 60 of these townhomes are currently rented, with designs including two to three bedrooms and one to two-car garage spaces.

As part of the Sakura Novi development, several businesses have already begun operations, including Paris Baguette and Klawsome!. In the coming months, additional tenants are expected to open every one to two months. Upcoming ventures include Chubby Cattle, an all-you-can-eat wagyu restaurant, Teso Life, a Japanese-themed department store, Dancing Pine Korean Steak House, Cloud Boba Tea, and Book Off, Japan’s largest secondhand chain.

The goal of Sakura Novi is to create a vibrant hub of Asian culture and cuisine in Oakland County, which is home to one of Michigan’s largest Asian populations. The architectural design of the development integrates contemporary Japanese and Korean aesthetics, adding to the culturally rich atmosphere of the project.

The total estimated cost of the Sakura Novi development is approximately $55 million, with potential tax abatements reaching around $1.25 million through 2029. The project also reflects the diverse demographic of Novi, where Asian Americans comprise about 28% of the population, including many Japanese residents linked to global corporations.

The dedication ceremony for Sakura Gardens was held on October 23, 2023, attended by local leaders, including Novi’s new mayor, Justin Fischer. Initially met with some opposition, Fischer later acknowledged the benefits brought by Sakura Novi to the community.

In addition to enhancing cultural offerings, the property will also incorporate pathways connecting the public gardens with nearby residential areas and feature an observation plaza overlooking a wetland, further promoting community interaction and appreciation of natural surroundings.

This development not only aims to enhance Novi’s cultural landscape but also strives to foster diversity and inclusivity through its offerings, making it a landmark project within Michigan.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• Detroit Free Press: Sakura Novi Gardens
• Hour Detroit: Sakura Novi Welcomes Paris Baguette
• Spectrum News: Michigan’s First Asian-Themed District
• Crain’s Detroit: Paris Baguette and Chubby Cattle Opening
• Wikipedia: Novi, Michigan