KENTWOOD, Mich. -- Advantage Commercial Real Estate advisors have assisted luxury pet hotel chain K-9 Resorts in purchasing the former TGIF's building adjacent to the Woodland Mall in Kentwood.
It will be the franchise's first location in Michigan. Demolition of the existing building is nearly complete, and construction will begin soon thereafter. The resort will provide a cage-free environment for all-day group play or pets can have a private playtime with a staff member.
Here are more details in a news release from K9 Resorts via Clark Communications:
The City of Kentwood gave unanimous approval for rezoning and issued a Special Land Use permit.
Owners Megan and Mark Ivaska began pursuing opening a K9 Resorts in the region in late 2023. The couple worked with Advantage starting in 2024 and helped the couple land on the Woodland Mall property.
“From day one, there was grit that Mark and Thomas at Advantage brought to the process. The location exceeds our expectations on indoor and outdoor play space, and we can't wait to share that with the community," said K9 Resorts Luxury Pet Hotel of Grand Rapids co-owner Megan Ivaska.
"We needed to be in a retail area within 10-15 minutes of the airport,” added co-owner Mark Ivaska. “It does not get better than being at the corner of 28th Street and the Beltline. It's hard to believe this property was on the market for nearly five years. Advantage delivered an opportunity and guided us to reach a fantastic deal well below the listing price and within our budget.”
Founded in 2005, K9 Resorts is widely regarded as providing unparalleled and unmatched service for dog boarding and dog daycare. The brand has already been a 5-time Pet Care Excellence award winner from the International Boarding & Pet Services Association and has earned multiple "Best of" local awards throughout the franchise system.
K9 Resorts is unique in the pet care industry with its commitment to luxury, health and safety. The resorts provide a cage-free environment where guests can enjoy all-day group play or private playtime with a staff member. Rooms are segmented and designed with soundproofing materials integrated throughout construction and design to reduce sound and stress for the pets. The facility prioritizes cleanliness and sanitation, maintaining standards that resemble a hospital. All staff members are trained and certified by national pet associations, emphasizing dogs' health, safety and behavioral needs, along with ongoing education to ensure they are up-to-date with best practices.
“It is easy to say we are in the pet care business. While true, our focus is more closely tied to the hospitality industry,” added Mark Ivaska. “We don't benchmark against others in the boarding space. We benchmark against organizations like Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons and even Disney. We want to delight our four-legged guests and wow our clients who entrust members of their families to us."
“K9 Resorts Luxury Pet Hotel of Grand Rapids has secured one of the most desirable locations in the metro Grand Rapids region,” said Advantage Commercial Real Estate Principal Senior Vice President Mark Ansara. “This pet boarding and daycare center will turn many heads with its high-end appearance. We are excited to see them succeed.”
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Photo: Source: K9 Resorts /Clark Communications