East Michigan News

Under circumstances that include stay-at-home orders during the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, finding ways to cope is often the most important thing for a local businesses and restaurants. 

Sterling Heights businesses located at Lakeside Mall have received a helping hand from their landlord, Out of the Box Ventures. The subsidiary of Florida-based Lionheart Capital has cut tenant rates in April and May to provide some economic relief. Tenants remain responsible for common-area maintenance fees, spokeswoman Ashley Spitz told the Sterling Heights Sentry. 

Tenants are expected to save in the neighborhood of 60 to 70% on rent. There are other outlets of aid for tenants in the form of both government- and privately sponsored. 

In the meantime, improvements for the mall have not been forgotten but rather put on hold. Plans were developed for an ice rink and murals for the location. There was also a possibility of a food truck festival this spring. 

“We are very excited to reopen whenever the state allows us to do that,” Spitz said, reported by the Sterling Heights Sentry. “Absolutely, the ice skating rink and everything is moving forward. We will be reopening, and we are very excited about our plans.”

The type of relationship the mall has developed with its tenants is an example of what can happen within the city to speed along the economic reopening. Sterling Heights Senior Economic Development Advisor Luke Bonner said city businesses are struggling with the economic uncertainty, when you have one set of people hunkering down and another set prioritizing spending. 

Restaurants have adapted to circumstances by offering drive-through and carry-out. To help ensure business, restaurants like Steak ‘n Shake offer a number of specials designed to draw more customers. 

As for the future, Bonner feels it will take time for people become comfortable returning to business as usual. “I think what will have to happen, I think, is there's going to be a new reality that kind of comes back in, and people will have to get an idea of the landscape,” he told the Sterling Heights Sentry.