Clawson and Troy, Here is What You Want from this Vacant Building

Troy and Clawson Patch readers offered insight and articulate opinions all day when we asked what they would like to see at a large commercial vacancy.

The space at 1300 Livernois Rd., just south of Maple Road in Troy, used to be home of a Playworld outlet, according to one Patch reader. In fact, an interesting exchange helped illustrate the history of the building, which was built in 1970.

I don't remember what it was in 1970 but it was Farmer Jack's,Big Lot's and a combination fruit market and deli. — tinker hall

It was a fabric store when I was a child in the mid-70's... — Sue Martin

Yes, Sue, that was Minnesota Fabrics. Now all that is left around here that is similar is Joanns. There was a Big Lots store there too at one point. — cookiepro2

It was a PlayWorld it was a big toy store to compete with Toys R Us it only lasted a few years. Then FJ and Big Lots on the right end after the Fabric store was a small fruit market I think named vince's — John P. Morse

Many readers noted the proximity of this vacancy to another large vacancy nearby:

Yes, this whole area, including now Kmart & McDonald's. will/all be vacant. I had heard old rumor of an Ikea. But guess that was just that-a rumor. I also heard what did this in was the rent was too high. I miss the former drug store, big lots & veg & meat mrkt that all used to be there. — Cindi Averill (via Facebook)

Yep, between the Kmart building sitting there and this area sitting for how many years now? All an eyesore. One area or the other could be some sort of grocery for this immediate area of Troy/Clawson. — Linda Dickens Dube (via Facebook)

Many readers suggested the space for an IKEA outlet:

Ikea would be perfect. Linda- there's an Aldi less than 2 miles from this location in Clawson. — Amy Koehler (via Facebook)

IKEA! Driving to Canton take us about an hour from here and at our new house, it will take us close to 2 hours. — Sherry Lazdinsh (via Facebook)

We need Ikea & that would b great idea in the area for troy & all cities around since we knly have 1 Ikea in MI. — Moni Ac (via Facebook)

One reader made a popular suggestion for an indoor skate park:

They keep kids off the streets. — Dennis Walle (via Facebook)

Another reader suggested a drive-in theater:

Tear down the old buildings and put in a Drive-In Theatre. We miss the Oak and the Troy Drive-Ins! — Tina A

You don't need to be a commerical developer or city planner — or have money to invest in a business project — to have the next great idea. We want to hear about it.