PETOSKEY — After a summer of failed inspections and code concerns, two downtown businesses are leaving their homes on East Mitchell Street.
On Oct. 15, Emmet County put signs on the doors of the building, warning that the structure is unsafe and that three addresses located within the building — 441, 443 and 445 E. Mitchell St. — would need to be vacated by Nov. 15.
Jimmy John’s was housed at 441 E. Mitchell St. and The Computer Source was in 445 E. Mitchell St. The space at 443 E. Mitchell St. was vacant already.
Emmet County Building Department Director Martin Van Berlo told the News-Review in late October that the notice came after building inspectors found “extensive leaking” through the roof system, which is affecting the integrity of the roof structure. Additionally, the leaking has gone into the floor system, which has structural issues as well. The building’s fire suppression system is not currently operational and there are other issues like emergency egress, signage and lighting that are “no longer in compliance with the code.”
The building is owned by the Petoskey Land and Cattle Company.
With the Nov. 15 deadline looming, Jimmy John’s locked its doors and hung brown paper over the windows, leaving behind a note by the front door: “Thank you for the last 13 years! We will miss you — Management and staff.”
Amy Tweeten, Downtown Petoskey Manager, said Jimmy John’s closing was a big loss for downtown. The store had around 12 employees, and Tweeten said it was a good option to get an affordable and fast lunch.
“The challenge we have is finding suitable replacement locations for businesses,” Tweeten said. “We are at almost 90% occupancy.”
She added that finding a space for a restaurant in such a short period of time is a challenge because of the buildout required.
More: Downtown Petoskey building deemed unsafe; Jimmy John’s, The Computer Source told to vacate
Loveesh Thatai, owner of The Computer Source, has different plans. Immediately after receiving the notice to vacate, he began working to find a new home for his business. At first, he found little success, but now he’s planning a move to a new location.
While Thatai hasn’t decided for sure where he’s planning to move — torn between a shared space on Howard Street or another building on Mitchell — Thatai said he plans to have things figured out before the end of the weekend.
More: County issues stop-work order, says permits needed to repair downtown Petoskey building
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Thatai originally signed his lease for the 445 E. Mitchell St. space in January, and said he is frustrated with the situation because when he moved in, the issues with the building were not disclosed to him.
However, Thatai said he believes everything happens for a reason and he’s trying to look at the positives in the situation, like easier parking access at his potential new locations.
“It’s a fact of life, things happen,” Thatai said. “I’m not really upset, I’m just annoyed I have to (move) all over again.”
“I’m pretty relaxed about it at this point. Initially I was frustrated just because there was so much going on at the same time,” Thatai added. “I’m excited … I think it will be good. I’m looking forward to making the change and to just stay where I’m going.”
— Contact reporter Karly Graham at kgraham@petoskeynews.com. Follow her on Twitter at @KarlyGrahamJRN.
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Jimmy John’s closes in downtown Petoskey following notice to vacate
