Dustin Sommer, founder of The Development Studio, is building a place to live simply, where tenants are inspired to leave the apartment and explore their neighborhood. He shared his vision at the September 22 City Commission Meeting. His plan for 118 W. Clay is forty apartments over small shops: 12 studios, 21 one-bedrooms, and seven two-bedrooms. Sommer says he thinks about the project the way he would if he lived there.

Sommer shares his vision for Clay Street

The design is modern, Scandinavian, and minimalist. Efficient layouts that will likely include laundry in the units. Excluding amenities like a gym space is purposeful, the design is meant to get you out the door, so the neighborhood fitness studio becomes a gathering place. This concept brings economic vitality to the area and helps tenants build community. Sommer's ideas seem well suited to Downtown Muskegon's walkable nature.

The surrounding neighborhood is home to walkable amenities

The building design also calls for a fifth floor terrace, where tenants can enjoy views of Muskegon's skyline and waterfront. That indoor-outdoor space becomes the amenity working to create community in the building. Neighbors become friends as they share this space.

Commissioner Kochin welcomes Sommer's plan

Sommer sees Clay, between Pine and Western, as the walk that ties the east side of downtown together. He told a TV reporter the street already connects Western, the farmers market, and the shops farther down Clay. Sommer wants to see more people on the sidewalk and in turn, more shops to support their needs. If this project sees success, empty lots nearby start to fill in.

The shops under the apartments are designed to be smaller than traditional retail, but a distinct step up from the chalets the city runs on Western. Sommer's first floor retail may become the natural progression for businesses incubated in the chalets. Neighboring businesses Morat’s Bakery, Nipote’s Italian Kitchen, and The Cheese Lady will likely see the economic boost that comes with new residents. Additionally, The Muskegon Museum of Art and The Frauenthal Center are just a few blocks away, becoming amenities for tenants to find in their explorations around the neighborhood.

Sommer has consulted on about 20 wood-frame buildings of this size for other developers. Scrolling his Instagram reveals an interest in design and walkable spaces. In June he posted a virtual study of Downtown Market in Grand Rapids. Check it out:

On Sept. 22 the Commission approved the tax plan for the site, 7-0. A tax break on the apartments comes back Nov. 10. He bought the lot last year for just over $200,000. Work is aimed at 2027, and he told a reporter the doors could open in 2028.

Packet: September 22, 2026 agenda packet.