June 2, 2023

Historic Grand Haven Diesel Power Plant Purchased by CL Real Estate Development

Exterior of the power plant in modern days against a blue sky

On Friday, May 12, Grand Power Works LLC, a joint venture of CL Real Estate Development (CLRED) and local partners Diesel Boys, took ownership of the historic Grand Haven Diesel Power Plant. The partners of Grand Power Works plan to redevelop the historic industrial building into a vibrant and active events space and restaurant. Once completed, this project will have a large impact on the local economy and the year-round tourism of Grand Haven. Over the next several months, the team at Grand Power Works will continue assembling the project as initially outlined in their response to the City’s Request for Proposal by finalizing tenant selection, developing construction plans, and securing funding.

“We are thrilled to take ownership of this historic and iconic building in Grand Haven and move into the next phase of development. Since we first began, our excitement for this project has only grown. The more we learn about the region, the community, and the property, the more we see the wonderful history and the immense future potential.” says Nathan Watson, President and CEO of CLRED.

In an effort to maintain the most significant historical aspects of this building, Grand Power Works intends to preserve the building’s character by keeping the openness and grandeur of the space, allowing it to become a unique event venue and dining experience in downtown Grand Haven year-round. “Grand Haven has such an active summer with visitors from across the Midwest coming to shop, dine, and relax,” says CLRED Development Associate Brant Cohen, “Adding this unique and historic property as a restaurant and events space to Grand Haven will be another reason to keep visitors coming year-round, helping the city’s economy and further boosting it with an increase of year-round employment.”

The construction arm of this project is in good hands, led by the senior leadership of long-standing Contractor and CLRED’s partner, Lakewood Construction. Based out of Holland, MI, Lakewood has played a significant role in the development of many projects in the area, including several in Grand Haven. “We are honored to play a role in the restoration of this historic building in Grand Haven, which will not only preserve its architectural charm but also contribute to the city’s economic growth,” says Kyle Engbers, Vice President of Lakewood Construction, “This space will attract tourists throughout the year, creating a thriving destination for both locals and visitors.”

Follow the Grand Haven project along with other CLRED projects online at cl-red.com.

January 9, 2023

CL Enterprises and City of LaSalle Announce Updates on Maytag Building and Kaskaskia Hotel Projects

LASALLE, IL. – CL Enterprises and the City of LaSalle are working together to accelerate completion of the Maytag building and Kaskaskia Hotel projects, building a more vibrant and successful LaSalle.

At Monday’s City Council Meeting, the LaSalle City Council approved an amendment to the Redevelopment Agreement with CL Real Estate Development so that construction at the Maytag building, located at 801 First Street, will proceed. The construction of pioneering projects like these are made possible with the assistance of development tools offered by the City of LaSalle.

Nathan Watson, President of CL Real Estate Development stated,

“We’re grateful for the City of LaSalle’s support and are confident our positive working relationship will accelerate completion of this transformative project. It’s wonderful to see cooperation between our firm and all the relevant city departments, the aldermen, and Mayor Grove.”

The former Maytag building at the corner of First and Joliet streets in LaSalle is being transformed into a Tangled Roots brewery and restaurant. The building will also feature six residential apartments on the 2nd floor.

Jeff Grove, Mayor of the City of LaSalle, stated,

“The City of La Salle is excited to see renewed forward momentum on the 801 First Street Project and are particularly enthused by the developer’s commitment when they shared their preliminary schedule to ensure successful completion of the project. We believe the new Tangled Roots location, and residential apartments, will be an excellent addition to the continued growth and development of downtown La Salle. The City remains interested in giving all developers the tools they need to be successful in La Salle.”

An amendment to the redevelopment agreement for the Kaskaskia Hotel is in progress. The historic Kaskaskia Hotel, built in 1915, includes a six-story tower, apartment block, and a rear garage building, will be developed into luxury boutique apartments with many exciting features. The complex will feature approximately 50 residential units, 3 event spaces, a rooftop bar, a restored Side Bar, and prime retail space along 2nd Street.

This past summer Carus LLC, the sister company of CL Enterprises, announced a $20 million investment to its manufacturing facility in the City of LaSalle. Carus and CLE combined employ more than one hundred citizens in LaSalle, with hundreds more in LaSalle County.

Inga Carus, Co-Founder of CL Enterprises and CEO of Carus LLC stated,

“In 1915, when Edward Carus built the plant on the site of his father’s factory, he was making a commitment to LaSalle and the surrounding communities. Over 100 years later, we are still committed – now more than ever.”