Governor Whitmer Unveils $33 Million Housing and Commercial Development Projects in Grand Rapids and Saline

Governor Whitmer Unveils $33 Million Housing and Commercial Development Projects in Grand Rapids and Saline

LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced two redevelopment projects receiving support from the bipartisan Revitalization and Placemaking program on March 31, creating new opportunities for housing and commercial space in Grand Rapids and Saline.

The announcement highlights Michigan's continued focus on economic development and housing affordability in West Michigan communities, with state funding helping to activate vacant properties and increase community vibrancy.

Grand Rapids Boston Square Project

In the City of Grand Rapids, approximately 1.3 acres in the Boston Square neighborhood will be redeveloped into a four-story, mixed-use building. The project will create 45 new apartments along with 9,410 square feet of commercial space and 9,048 square feet of public space.

The project is part of the Boston Square Together Project, a neighbor-informed, comprehensive redevelopment of 10 acres in the neighborhood that aims to increase housing, commercial space for entrepreneurs, and community amenities.

The project will receive a $1.3 million RAP grant to assist with costs associated with construction costs and site conditions, bringing a total anticipated capital investment of $25,537,050. The City of Grand Rapids is supporting this phase of the project with a $400,000 HOME grant.

BSQ Together, developed by LDHA, LLC, is a development entity of Brinshore Development, LLC, a private firm specializing in the development of affordable and mixed-income housing founded in 1994. Brinshore is one of the nation's largest and most successful housing development firms in the affordable housing market.

Saline Downtown Revitalization

Two parcels in Downtown Saline will be revitalized into four residential units, plus commercial and green space. While the total investment figure for Saline was not specified in the announcement, the project contributes to the overall $33 million state capital investment across both locations.

State Housing Strategy

"The RAP program provides access to gap financing for place-based infrastructure development and real estate rehabilitation and development," said Michele Wildman, Senior Vice President of Community Planning and Development Readiness at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

"These projects will add critical housing and residential amenities, contributing to the vibrancy and economic activity in their communities."

Wildman noted that the MEDC is proud to support the growth and resilience of communities like Grand Rapids and Saline as part of the state's "Make It in Michigan" economic development strategy.

Governor Whitmer's Economic Development Push

Governor Whitmer emphasized the importance of these projects in the context of Michigan's broader economic development goals.

"Our population is growing, and we've been ranked a top state for opportunity and doing business," said Governor Whitmer. "Programs like RAP help us build on this progress, attract and retain talented workers, lower costs, build housing, and enrich our communities. Let's keep working together to get things done for our state."

Additional Housing Investment

The announcement also noted that in March 2026, the Michigan Strategic Fund Board approved support through a $4.75 million Michigan Community Revitalization Program performance-based loan for the creation of 109 housing units in the City of Grand Rapids' Westside neighborhood.

This project is located near Grand Valley State University's rapidly expanding downtown campus and is a short walk to the Acrisure Amphitheatre and Professional Stadium developments.

Amplify GR Partnership

The announcement mentioned Amplify GR, a 2018-founded organization that invests in securing economic pathways for residents of designated neighborhoods in Grand Rapids, resulting in real opportunities to participate in and benefit from neighborhood growth.

Amplify GR utilizes a holistic approach to community partnership and revitalization modeled after Purpose Built Communities, a nonprofit organization headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.

RAP Program Details

The Revitalization and Placemaking program provides access to gap financing for place-based infrastructure development and real estate rehabilitation and development. The program is designed to help communities activate vacant properties, create affordable housing, and stimulate local economic activity.

The bipartisan nature of the program reflects Michigan's continued efforts to maintain cooperation across party lines on infrastructure and housing issues that directly impact West Michigan residents.

Economic Impact

These projects represent a significant investment in West Michigan's housing stock and commercial infrastructure. By targeting specific neighborhoods and working with established development firms, the state aims to create sustainable growth that benefits local residents and businesses.

The combination of state RAP grants, City of Grand Rapids HOME grants, and private investment demonstrates the multi-layered approach Michigan is taking to address housing needs while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

What This Means for West Michigan Residents

For residents of Grand Rapids and Saline, these projects directly address the growing need for affordable housing and quality commercial spaces. The Boston Square project, in particular, will add 45 apartments to a neighborhood that has been undergoing comprehensive redevelopment.

The projects also create construction jobs and support local businesses through increased commercial activity in revitalized areas.

Looking Forward

As Michigan continues to rank as a top state for opportunity and doing business, these housing and commercial development projects serve as tangible evidence of the state's commitment to supporting West Michigan communities through strategic infrastructure investment and partnerships with private developers and nonprofit organizations.

The RAP program's success in Grand Rapids and Saline may serve as a model for similar projects in other Michigan communities, particularly as the state looks to address housing affordability and economic development challenges across the region.