Actions that Farmington officials took in 2012 will drive some big changes in the community over the coming year. 

Here's what you can look forward to seeing in 2013:

1. Completion of the Grove Street streetscape project. 

Farmington officials have signed a special assessment agreement with the new owners of the T.J. Maxx strip center, located on the east side of Grove Street, to cover $600,000 of the $1.7 million Grove Street renovation project. The construction, which is fast-tracked and should be complete by June 30, will replace the concrete pavement with an asphalt boulevard, on-street parking, stamped concrete sidewalks and a look similar to the existing downtown Farmington streetscape. 

2. Renovation of the T.J. Maxx strip center in downtown Farmington.

Farmington Hills-based Manifold Ventures representatives say renovations planned for the strip center they have renamed "The Groves" will give the building a more contemporary look. They plan to create a "visual center" where Painting with a Twist, Bellis Spa and Bargain Books are located, using arches and other embellishments. 

3. Renovation of the Drakeshire Plaza shopping center. 

Partners who purchased the center on Grand River east of Drake Road struck an agreement with the City of Farmington that helped them renovate the exterior of the building and address a number of zoning code violations. Construction got underway in the fall of 2012 and will continue as the weather allows. Owners – and city officials – hope the refreshed look will draw more tenants to the center, which is largely unoccupied. 

4. Los Tres Amigos plans a May opening in downtown Farmington.

Within a few months of purchasing and cleaning up the former Dimitris restaurant property at Grand River and Warner Street, the Farmington Downtown Development Authority approved a lease agreement with the Michigan-based restaurant chain. Los Tres Amigos owners expect to have their restaurant open by Cinco de Mayo. 

5. Completion of The Orchard condominiums. 

In early December, the Farmington Downtown Development Authority (DDA) approved a $90,000 purchase agreement for a property originally planned as phase two of an existing condo community at Farmington Road and Slocum. DDA director Annette Knowles said the property is being marketed to area developers, with the intent of completing the project as planned.