KNTWOOD, Michigan – K9 Resort, a national dog boarding and daycare chain, is converting it into the latest “luxurious” pet hotel at Woodland Mall on a former TGI Friday.
The New Jersey-based company was closed on January 31st at 3345 28th St. SE. The property is currently undergoing renovations. release.
The project is led by local franchisees Megan and Mark Ibaska, who are opening the site. The couple said the property adjacent to Woodland Mall is perfect for their business.
“We had to be in the retail area within 10-15 minutes of the airport,” Mark Ibaska said. “It’s not going to be better than being on the corner of 28th Avenue and Beltline. It’s hard to believe this property has been on the market for nearly five years.”
Advantage Commercial Real Estate Advisors helped Ivaskas buy the property.
“The luxury pet hotel at K9 Resorts Grand Rapids has secured one of the most desirable locations in the Metro Grand Rapids area,” said Mark Ansala, Senior Vice President of Advantage Commercial Real Estate Principal. “This pet boarding and daycare center will turn a lot of heads with a high-end look. We look forward to seeing them succeed.”
Related: New Dog Daycare, Boarding, “Spaw” Opens North of Grand Rapids
K9 Resorts was founded in 2005.
The company, which has locations nationwide, offers a cageless environment where dogs can play with staff members or alone, according to the release. The company’s rooms are equipped with soundproofing materials, and its staff are trained and certified by pet associations nationwide.
The K9 Resort also emphasizes cleanliness and hygiene, and has similar standards to hospitals, the release said.
“It’s easy to say we’re in the pet care business. It’s true, but our focus is more closely tied to the hospitality industry,” Mark Ibaska said.
“We are not a benchmark with others in the boarding field. We benchmark organizations such as Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons and even Disney. We are pleased with our four-legged guests. We want to surprise our clients who entrust our family members to us.”
