Auto supplier opening location at site of former Eastland Mall in Harper Woods

Auto supplier opening location at site of former Eastland Mall in Harper Woods

HARPER WOODS, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) - The site of the old Eastland Mall is getting a new tenant, which could result in several hundred jobs. 

Thai Summit Corporation is expanding its footprint in Michigan by opening a second location in Harper Woods

Eastland Mall fell into foreclosure in 2016 and is now the site of the Eastland Commerce Center - a $94 million development composed of three buildings. 

One of the buildings will be occupied by Thai Summit, which already has an operation in Howell

The company signed a seven-year lease, and residents hope the extra jobs will boost the local economy.

"I hope it's going to be a good thing. I hope it's going to increase property value. I hope it's going to help with the tax base. The only thing I'm going to say right now is that I am hopeful," said Veronica Salcicioli, a longtime Harper Woods resident. 

Because the business is an automotive supplier, some residents CBS News Detroit spoke with off-camera were worried about potential traffic from big trucks into the neighborhood. 

However, the city council addressed this issue by designating an access point along 8 Mile Rd. so that semis will avoid driving down Beaconsfield - the street leading to residential neighborhoods. 

Salcicioli said she is hopeful Thai Summit finds success in Harper Woods. 

"I've lived here for a long time, you know when Eastland was across the street, it was, it's very different from what it's going to be now, but I guess that's change," Salcicioli said. 

It is not known how many jobs will be created, but manufacturing operations are expected to begin in the first quarter of 2024. 

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