Former Don's Windmill Truck Stop to be redeveloped, rebranded, investor says

WINDSOR TWP. -- A popular truck stop that operated for 54 years before closing in 2009 is expected to be redeveloped and rebranded. 

Work is scheduled to begin Monday to redevelop the former Don's Windmill Truck Stop at 7262 Lansing Road with a gas station and buffet-style Coney Island-style restaurant, said Mike Sheena, the property's owner. 

The businesses will occupy a standalone building to be called the Windmill Truck Stop; it could also include a Tim Horton's coffee shop, Sheena said. 

"We’ll see how it’s going to be," Sheena said of the overall project. "I think people will love (the new truck stop) more (than the old one)." 

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Sheena, of Sterling Heights, said his group of investors want the entire project to be finished by the end of this year. He is listed in state records as the registered agent of JFS Investments LLC.

Eaton County property records indicate JFS Investments obtained ownership of the former truck stop through a 2013 land contract agreement with Shirley Millisor.

Daniel Millisor, Shirley Millisor's son, said Friday the land contract was paid off this month. Daniel Millisor, once the truck stop's manager, declined to reveal terms of the land contract. 

The assessed value of the 12.3-acre property on Lansing Road, west of Creyts Road, is $460,000, according to county records. 

Windsor Township Supervisor Marcus Braman said Friday redevelopment of the property is overdue. 

"Spurring economic growth is what we've been really trying to do on that corridor," Braman said. "It makes me happy, it makes me real happy because it's been a blighted corridor for a while." 

Daniel Millisor said Don's Truck Stop struggled to stay open because of rising fuel costs and difficulties staffing it around the clock.  

Millisor said he's intrigued by the new ownership group's efforts to reinvigorate the area, especially the planned opening of a restaurant. 

"It's a big piece of property," Millisor, an Eaton Rapids resident, said. "You try to get the best use out of it."  

Don's Truck Stop was established in 1955 when Daniel Millisor's father, Don, built next to his in-laws' windmill-themed gas station. 

Don Millisor took ownership of the gas station in 1967. 

Eric Lacy is a reporter for the Lansing State Journal. Contact him at 517-377-1206 or elacy@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @EricLacy.