Michigan RAP Program Supports $33 Million Housing and Commercial Projects in Grand Rapids and Saline

Governor Whitmer Announces New Development Projects Through Revitalization and Placemaking Program

LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced two redevelopment projects receiving support from the bipartisan Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) program, creating new opportunities for housing and commercial space in Grand Rapids and Saline on March 31, 2026.

The projects will generate a total capital investment of over $33 million in the state while activating vacant properties and increasing community vibrancy in both communities.

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 construction 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.

Funding Details

The project will be supported by a $1.3 million RAP grant to assist with costs associated with construction costs and site conditions and bring 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, an 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.

Amplify GR, founded in 2018, 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.

"The F3 project reflects the kind of catalytic change we need in our neighborhood," said a community representative. "It brings together private investment with public support to create real opportunities for residents."

Second Project in Saline

Two parcels in Downtown Saline will be revitalized into four residential units, and commercial and green space as part of the second RAP program project.

"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," said the MEDC's SVP of Community Planning and Development Readiness Michele Wildman.

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

RAP Program Purpose

The RAP program provides access to gap financing for place-based infrastructure development and real estate rehabilitation and development.

"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."

Economic Impact

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation, or MEDC, administers the RAP program as part of its broader economic development initiatives.

"These projects will add critical housing and residential amenities, contributing to the vibrancy and economic activity in their communities," said Michele Wildman, SVP of Community Planning and Development Readiness at MEDC.

The projects align with the state's Make It in Michigan competitiveness fund strategy, which aims to improve Michigan's business environment and attract investment to the state.

Boston Square Neighborhood Context

The Boston Square Together Project represents a broader neighborhood revitalization effort. The 10-acre redevelopment aims to increase housing options, create commercial space for local entrepreneurs, and provide community amenities that residents need.

The F3 project, the new four-story mixed-use building, will serve as a catalyst for additional development in the neighborhood.

Brinshore Development has a strong track record in affordable housing development across Michigan. Founded in 1994, the firm has become one of the nation's largest and most successful housing development firms in the affordable housing market.

Amplify GR, founded in 2018, takes a different approach by focusing on economic pathways for residents in designated neighborhoods. The organization invests in programs that help residents benefit from neighborhood growth.

"The F3 project reflects the kind of catalytic change we need in our neighborhood," said a community representative. "It brings together private investment with public support to create real opportunities for residents."

State Support Structure

The RAP program combines state funding with local contributions to maximize the impact of development projects. In this case, the $1.3 million RAP grant is supplemented by a $400,000 HOME grant from the City of Grand Rapids.

This structure allows the state to leverage federal and local funding while providing targeted support for priority projects.

The MEDC's involvement ensures that projects meet state economic development goals while addressing local housing and commercial needs.

Community Benefits

Both projects will activate vacant properties and bring new life to their respective neighborhoods. In Grand Rapids, the Boston Square development will add 45 housing units and nearly 10,000 square feet of commercial space.

The Saline project will create four residential units along with commercial and green space, adding to the downtown area's amenities and character.

These projects demonstrate the state's commitment to supporting housing development and commercial revitalization in West Michigan communities.

Future Outlook

The RAP program will continue to support similar projects across Michigan, focusing on areas that need housing and commercial development. The combination of state funding, local contributions, and private investment creates a sustainable model for community revitalization.

Governor Whitmer's announcement comes as Michigan continues to see growth in its population and business environment. The state's ranking as a top destination for opportunity and doing business underscores the importance of programs that support housing and commercial development.

The MEDC's Michele Wildman emphasized the program's role in supporting community growth and economic activity. These projects will add critical housing and residential amenities that contribute to the vibrancy of both Grand Rapids and Saline.