Port Huron Developer Larry Jones says he has an idea on what to do with the former Art Van Building downtown. Jones says he hopes to transform the vacant building into a multi-use development that could include lofts, a marketplace, and perhaps a children’s museum. Speaking to WPHM Monday, Jones says it will take the help of the city and county. “We’re talking and seeing if we can make this work,” said Jones. “In order to make this work, it’s going to have to be a partnership thing.” Preliminary site plans for the 318 Grand River property include lofts to be built on the second floor with a marketplace and activity area on the main floor. Jones also says there would be an attached parking garage. The building, which most recently served as an indoor used car dealership, was purchased by the St. Clair County Board of Commissioners in 2014. Since then, numerous proposals have been put forth by the city and the county regarding its future use. This past September, commissioners decided to solicit bids from the public, hoping it would attract the attention of a private developer. Jones was the only respondent to the request thus far.
