Monroe, Michigan — November 7, 2025
New concerns have surfaced at the plaza located at 15241 S. Dixie Hwy in Monroe Township after A&T Thrift, a business operating in Suite C, reported water leaks and soaked carpeting on Friday. The incident has renewed scrutiny of the plaza’s ownership and the deteriorating condition of the larger unit on the property — the former Ambassador Hall banquet center.
According to A&T Thrift staff, the problem was immediately reported to building owner John Meram. Upon further inspection of the former Ambassador Hall unit, tenants discovered that the carpeting was soaked, walls were crumbling, and mold was present throughout the long-vacant hall.
Ambassador Hall Has Been Closed Since 2021
The former event hall — once used for weddings, church services, and flea market operations — has been vacant since 2021. Despite this, Meram has continued advertising the 10,000-square-foot property for lease, at times offering potential tenants up to six months of free rent to occupy the space. Locals say the offers are “too good to be true,” pointing to the building’s structural decay and lack of maintenance as major deterrents.
Monroe Township officials previously cited the unit for multiple violations, including lack of occupancy certification and unsafe conditions. The space was also the site of a controversial attempt to open a teen club and flea market earlier this year, which was forcibly shut down by the Monroe Charter Township Fire Department for code violations and safety concerns.
Meram Also Owns Problematic Lansing Properties
Public records show that Meram also owns several commercial properties in the Lansing area, many of which have drawn complaints for neglect, unpaid taxes, and safety hazards. Former tenants from Lansing report similar issues: unaddressed leaks, mold, and inadequate maintenance, echoing the same pattern seen in Monroe Township.
Despite these concerns, Meram maintains that he was unaware of any major problems at the Dixie Hwy property. “I had no knowledge of any damage,” he said when reached earlier this year in connection with the plaza’s prior closures.
Community Frustration and Next Steps
With Friday’s discovery of new water damage, nearby tenants are calling for a full inspection of the plaza and accountability from ownership. While A&T Thrift’s carpeting has been affected, the shop remains open, and staff are taking steps to prevent further damage until the source of the leak is identified.
Township officials have not yet issued a formal update but are aware of the ongoing situation. The Ambassador Hall unit remains vacant and in disrepair as leasing advertisements for the space continue to circulate online.
Reporting by Monroe Business News Staff