DigitalBuddyReal estate broker Jonathan Rooks remains focused on developing downtown Muskegon, Michigan.
MUSKEGON, MICHIGAN, October 16, 2022 — For real estate broker and Parkland Properties owner Jonathan Rooks, the ongoing development of downtown Muskegon has been a passion project for over a decade. It joins with a larger goal he set over 20 years ago for the redevelopment of communities within one hour of Grand Rapids and along Lake Michigan.
In Muskegon, Rooks was able to invest heavily in downtown development due to the unique desirability Lake Muskegon provides with its easy access to Lake Michigan.
Through his company Parkland Properties, Rooks owns multiple buildings in the city and has spearheaded top renovation projects that helped bring new life to massive hotels, restore and repurpose historic buildings and grow entire communities within Muskegon.
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One of his first investments in the city was the massive 11-story and 140-room Shoreline Inn and Suites along the lakeshore. The hotel property extended beyond accommodations alone and included a marina and a restaurant. Through careful renovations, the site is once again a top destination for vacationers and business travelers thanks to its spacious conference center, well-appointed rooms and growing amenities, such as two onsite full-service restaurants plus a bar.
A bank building downtown was converted into 47 market-rate apartments, preserving its place in local history as the first “skyscraper” in view. It also injects new life into the region with singles, couples and families making their home in the space and utilizing downtown businesses daily.
Efforts to revitalize the city have extended to envisioning entire neighborhoods, such as Terrace Point Landing, and repurposing other unique buildings in the community, such as the Masonic Lodge and Central Fire Station. The fire station became the headquarters for Rooks’ company after he relocated to the city from Grand Rapids. Office spaces were also created for additional tenants.
The restored Masonic Lodge was donated to the Muskegon Community College and now houses the school’s Entrepreneurial Studies program and other business activities as the Rooks Sarnicola Center for Entrepreneurial Studies.
In 2015, the Muskegon Chamber of Commerce recognized Jonathan Rooks for his commitment to redevelopment by naming him Muskegon’s Outstanding Entrepreneur for the year.
His work continues with new hotel projects, more redevelopments near the waterfront and an ongoing focus on creating residential properties for others who want to do as he did and call Muskegon home.