Michigan's first Asian-inspired mixed-use development draws crowds in Novi (WXYZ Detroit)

A unique Asian-inspired mixed-use development is coming to life, marking the first development of its kind in Michigan. Sakura Novi features a blend of restaurants, retail shops, and residential units designed to create an immersive cultural experience that transports visitors to Asia without leaving Michigan.

"We saw this type of life experiences through our travels, and we wanted to bring that back home," said Phillip Kim, partner at Sakura Novi about the vision for space.

The development came about through a collaboration between the city and developers, with input from Japan's consulate office.

"The city had approached us with an opportunity with the consulate office of Japan to create this unique Asian themed environment in the city of Novi, and they couldn't figure out who was going to do it," Kim said.

Several months after businesses began opening and residents started moving into apartments on the property, the development's popularity continues to grow.

"We had an extraordinary reception here. We had Chubby Cattle; when they opened, they had lines out the door. When Paris Baguette opened, they had lines out the door, and our residences are pretty much filling up very fast," Kim said. “Clearly, I think we are delivering what the community wanted."

View the full story and video here: https://www.wxyz.com/news/voices/michigans-first-asian-inspired-mixed-use-development-draws-crowds-in-novi?fbclid=IwY2xjawPguxdleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFPeTB5aGVqanJvVEVVcjFvc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHkNuoLiYgi9Ql3omI-J67JKOB3FiDp8-0ORi2-IITvfu4LCBW4DyJ0-049AK_aem_-NBNITyzty5Ll2hiLkJ5Fw