Environmental due diligence, asbestos abatement oversight, and brownfield redevelopment services supporting a large-scale mixed-use redevelopment in Michigan.
Northland Mall, originally constructed in 1955 and expanded through the 1980s, was once a regional retail destination in Southfield, Michigan. Originally developed as an outdoor shopping center and later enclosed in 1974, the mall ceased operations in 2015. In December 2015, the City of Southfield acquired the property with plans to redevelop the site into a vibrant mixed-use district.
The property was sold in 2021 and is now being redeveloped as Northland City Center, a $400 million mixed-use downtown development featuring residential, retail, and public spaces. The project represents a significant public-private partnership and a transformative reinvestment in a long-standing commercial corridor.
AKT Peerless provided comprehensive environmental due diligence services to the City of Southfield prior to property acquisition, including Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) and a Baseline Environmental Assessment (BEA). AKT Peerless also completed asbestos surveys in accordance with the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) and National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) in support of planned building renovations.
Additional services included preparation of a Request for Proposals (RFP) and asbestos and regulated waste specifications for abatement contractor procurement, management of the RFP process, and contractor recommendation. During abatement activities, AKT Peerless provided daily air monitoring and contractor oversight. AKT Peerless also delivered ongoing brownfield development services for both the City of Southfield and Contour Development Group, including development of a Brownfield Plan, Act 381 Work Plan, EGLE grant assistance and administration, review of eligible activity cost submittals, and continued brownfield support for this public-private redevelopment effort.
AKT Peerless supported the successful transition of the former Northland Mall from a vacant retail property to a large-scale mixed-use redevelopment by completing critical due diligence, managing regulated materials, and securing brownfield funding. Nearly $25 million in public investment was supported through eligible activity planning, grant coordination, and compliance oversight.
Through continued environmental and brownfield services, AKT Peerless remains an integral partner in advancing the Northland City Center redevelopment, helping to mitigate environmental risk, maintain regulatory compliance, and support the long-term success of one of Southeast Michigan’s most significant redevelopment projects.
