Commerce Township’s Exciting New Downtown Development: Five & Main
Commerce Township is gearing up for an exciting transformation! For years, this community has had a dream—creating a vibrant downtown where residents can shop, dine, and enjoy life. That dream is becoming a reality through Five & Main, a spectacular new 42-acre retail and lifestyle center set to capture the heart of the township.
A Grand Vision Unfolds
Can you believe it? It’s been 40 years since the Commerce Township Downtown Development Authority (DDA) was established, and they are ready to tackle the mission of creating a bustling downtown from the ground up! The vision is ambitious but oh-so-exciting. Five & Main, developed by the renowned Robert B. Aikens & Associates—the brains behind the popular Village of Rochester Hills—aims to give the township a distinct Main Street vibe.
Strategically located near the intersection of M-5, Martin Parkway, and Pontiac Trail, Five & Main promises a delightful mix of 60% retail shops, 25% restaurants, and the remainder dedicated to experiential entertainment and grocery offerings. Expect everything from trendy boutiques to fine dining and even a med spa and a pilates studio!
What’s in Store?
The total investment in Five & Main is around a whopping $100 million! If all goes well, the entire space is anticipated to be completed by the fall of 2026. According to Randy Thomas, the president and CEO of Insite Commercial, which played a part in facilitating this enormous development, locals can look forward to some high-end retail options that are unique to the area.
It gets better! Bruce Aikens, a vice chairman of Robert B. Aikens & Associates and a proud Commerce Township resident, expressed his enthusiasm about bringing a mini downtown to the community. “We feel if we can be that town for that community, that will create a huge, real success story here,” he shared, radiating optimism about the project.
Residential Bliss Awaits
On top of all things retail and leisure, there’s also a residential side to this exciting initiative. With the help of their partner, Continental Properties, a Wisconsin-based residential developer, the plan includes the Springs at Five & Main. This garden community will feature 284 studio and one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments designed in a chic townhome style, complete with ground-level entries and attached garages.
What’s the cherry on top? A resort-style pool, an on-site pet spa and dog park, plus a 24-hour fitness center for all residents to revel in! Pre-leasing is set to kick off in spring 2025, with move-ins happening that summer once the community clubhouse and a few initial units are ready.
Community Reactions
To ease traffic concerns, a traffic signal will be installed at the main entrance of the downtown development, located at Pontiac Trail and Walnut Lake Road. Sounds like a win-win!
A Long Journey to Today
Five & Main isn’t just a flash in the pan; it’s part of a larger initiative known as Commerce Towne Place, which has been in the works for over two decades. The DDA previously purchased 330 acres of land between 2003 and 2007 to prepare the community for this very moment—tackling traffic, preserving parks, and working on storm management, among other things!
With existing developments like the luxurious Barrington Apartment Homes, the Avalon senior housing facility, and Wyncliff’s single-family homes, it’s obvious that progress is underway—making way for a brighter tomorrow in Commerce Township.
So, keep your eyes peeled, folks! Commerce Township is on its way to becoming your new go-to destination filled with shopping, dining, and community fun. Exciting times lie ahead!
Author: STAFF HERE NOVI WRITER
The NOVI STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENovi.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Novi, Oakland County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Motor City Comic Con, Michigan State Fair, and Novi Home and Garden Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Novi Chamber of Commerce and Novi Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, technology, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Stoneridge, and Daifuku North America. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.



