Sakura Novi Welcomes Paris Baguette and Sakura Gardens (Hour Detroit)

Novi had a lot to celebrate on Thursday (Oct. 23) — a new garden and a new bakery. Both are on the grounds Sakura Novi, which is billed as Michigan’s first Asian-themed mixed-use development.

The day started with the grand opening of Paris Baguette, a South Korean chain bakery serving French-inspired pastries.

In the afternoon, there was a dedication ceremony for Sakura Gardens — which includes a pond with a path that winds around it. It will eventually be dotted with mature cherry trees and a playground.

“The inspiration [for Sakura Gardens] was a community gathering place that we felt that downtown Novi needed,” says Phil Kim, one of the owners of Sakura Novi. “And it’s open to the public. We want everyone in the community to enjoy it, and all the food and experiences here.”

Sakura Novi’s other owner, Scott Aikens, is vice chairman of Robert B. Aikens and Associates. The firm created The Village in Rochester Hills, and is currently developing another big project: Five & Main, a retail and lifestyle center in Commerce Township.

“We’ve added a lot of artistic flourishes; there’s the Sakura panel on the front that lights at night. And the entry sign with the bronze Sakura character is particularly beautiful,” Aikens says. “The architecture was really well designed by our team.”

Opposite the commercial area, connected by the path around the pond are The Residences at Sakura Novi. Jim Clarke, CEO of Robertson Homes — the developer behind the 117 townhomes — said leasing began in February. The units are now at about 60% occupancy.

“Everyone talks about mixed-use in the way where you have retail on the first floor and apartments over — which is very expensive, because parking is an issue for everyone,” Clarke says.

Clarke describes Sakura Novi, where the residential and commercial areas are separate but adjacent, as “horizontal mixed-use.” He calls this “the smart and the right way to do it.”

The units, which are three stories tall, have two floor plans available for lease. Starting at $2,550 a month, residents can lease a 1,300-square foot townhome with two bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a one-car garage. Or, starting at $3,250 a month are the 1,765 square-foot units. These units include three bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a two-car garage.

Read the full story here: https://www.hourdetroit.com/development-topics/sakura-novi-welcomes-paris-baguette-sakura-gardens/

Photograph by Jack Thomas