Michigan looks to retain Asian workers by building an 'Asian Village'

One World Market, a Japanese grocery store in Novi, is slated to be the anchor tenant. The 25,000-square-foot prototypemarket and food hall willoffer ramen noodles, sushi, bento boxes and an Asian bakery.

Irene Spanos, director of Economic Development and Community Affairs in Oakland County, said the idea for Asian Village first got hatched when One World Market asked officials to identify developers for a new market and food hall.

"Robert B. Aikens & Associates, who owned the development, wanted to build Asian Village," she said. "It was perfect timing, because the city of Novi and Oakland County have for years wanted this to happen."

Spanos said thatMichigan, especially Oakland County, has seen an increase in Asian companies. There are more than 240 Japanese companies, 55 Chinese companies and 50 Korean companies in the area, she said,and what officials kept hearing from employeesof those companieswas that they have no place to gather with friends.

Spanos said the region has also seen an influx of Chinese residents in recent years. Due to top-rated schools in the area, employees from Chinese business companies prefer to live and work in Oakland County, she said.

The next step is for the developer to work with the city to get the necessary permits and find restaurants and shops interested in leasing the space, Spanos said.

"We are in the early stage of development, it will take one or two years for the project to break ground if everything goes according to plan," Aikens said.

Sheryl Walsh-Molloy, director of communications for the city, told Crain's that Asian Village is a natural fit for Novi.In addition to enhancing the city's business retention and attraction efforts, "the village will be a regional destination for all to enjoy and share, as well as a wonderful way to educate and share the Asian culture with others," she said.

Liu Yinmeng in Los Angeles contributed to this story