In the fall of a transitional season in my life, I was sitting at my computer, sifting through properties online. I had just sold a few buildings — solid investments that had run their course — and I was looking for my next challenge. I didn’t just want cash flow or equity. I wanted purpose.

And then I saw it.

MJ Village.

I remembered that building from years earlier. Driving past it, I’d always admired its architecture — it had a presence, a quiet elegance. Even back then, it stood out. But now? It was tired. Disheveled. Overgrown. The landscaping had given up. The stucco was peeling. Wood rot crept along the edges. The heart of the building had been abandoned.

And yet, it was perfect.

Behind it sat my old high school, the very one I graduated from in 2004. In front of it lay Central Park, where I now take my own family during the holidays. Every day, 50,000 cars drove past it — and none of them saw its former beauty.

But I did.

Most people would have looked away. The building needed everything — vision, capital, courage. It wasn’t a turnkey asset; it was a full-blown reclamation project. It was not for the faint of heart.

But I didn’t hesitate.

I saw potential where others saw decay.

And I decided to bring it back to life.

I didn’t just buy a building — I adopted a responsibility. I took it upon myself to lift it back to its rightful place:

A lifestyle center.

A local landmark.

A place where people could eat, work, play, and gather — all in one beautiful, vibrant space.

The journey hasn’t been easy. It’s required every ounce of grit, vision, and leadership I’ve got. But it’s also been one of the most rewarding projects I’ve ever taken on.

Because MJ Village isn’t just real estate. It’s personal.

It’s my past, my present, and my legacy — all in one building.

And I’m not done yet.

~Mike Hendzel