Michigan State Funding Supports Two New Housing and Commercial Projects in Grand Rapids and Saline

State Funding Brings New Development to West Michigan Neighborhoods

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

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

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 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 I LDHA, LLC, is the 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 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 development that brings new housing and commercial opportunities to neighborhoods that need them most.

Grand Rapids West Side Project

A new $25 million housing and commercial development is moving forward on the Grand Rapids West Side after the Michigan Strategic Fund board approved a $4.75 million Michigan Community Revitalization Program loan to support the project.

The development is being led by Construction Simplified, whose headquarters are located right across the street from the proposed site. The spot is the former site of Adobe Mexican Kitchen at 617 Fulton West, at the intersection of Seward and Fulton Street, just west of Grand Valley State University's Pew Campus.

The building will consist of 109 studio and one-bedroom apartments along with three commercial suites. Developers say one of those commercial spots is already leased. Amenities include a dog washing station, fitness studio, concierge laundry service, and upper outdoor deck spaces with communal outdoor areas including a community club room.

The hope is to help with the housing need in Grand Rapids and make the area more walkable. The City of Grand Rapids was also on the meeting and is expecting to contribute $3.6 million in incentives including the Neighborhood Enterprise Zone and Brownfield TIF.

Brent Gibson, president of Construction Simplified, told the MSF board that this project is an opportunity to continue progress on the city's West Side.

"And it's the gateway to West Fulton, what I would say is an underserved or under-attentioned corridor that comes directly out of the center of Grand Rapids. Certainly West Side of Grand Rapids is getting a lot of investment and has over the years with Bridge Street and the now soccer stadium. This sits at the intersection of traveling west out of downtown and north to the soccer stadium," Gibson said on the meeting.

The family-owned Adobe Mexican Kitchen has now moved over to a new location on Bridge Street.

Saline Downtown Development

Two parcels in Downtown Saline will be revitalized into four residential units, and commercial and green space. The project receives state support as part of the same RAP program initiatives.

What This Means for West Michigan Residents

These projects address critical housing needs while creating commercial space that can support local businesses and entrepreneurs. The Boston Square project in particular brings 45 new apartments to a neighborhood that has seen significant investment in recent years.

The West Side development brings 109 new units to an area that has historically been underserved. By including commercial space and amenities like dog washing stations and fitness studios, the developer is creating a community-focused environment that can improve quality of life for residents.

The state funding through the RAP program demonstrates a commitment to place-based infrastructure development and real estate rehabilitation. The Michigan Strategic Fund's Michigan Community Revitalization Program provides loans that help make these projects financially viable.

Governor's Comments

"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."

The MEDC's SVP of Community Planning and Development Readiness Michele 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.

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

The RAP program provides access to gap financing for place-based infrastructure development and real estate rehabilitation and development, helping to activate vacant properties and increase community vibrancy across West Michigan.