Real Estate/Development
The Interurban Transit Partnership has received board and federal approval to purchase a $1.95 million property in Grandville for its new paratransit service operations center.
Fuel, housing costs underscore public transportation access at affordable housing
Written by Kate CarlsonHistorically high housing and fuel prices have made access to public transportation an increasingly important piece to developing much-needed affordable housing.
Gun Lake Casino breaks ground on $300M expansion with resort-style ‘aquadome’ venue
Written by Kate CarlsonWAYLAND — Gun Lake Casino today officially broke ground on its $300 million expansion that includes a 15-story hotel and multi-purpose “aquadome” enclosed pool space that will double as a nightlife venue.
After recent acquisitions, Chicago property management firm sees ‘lot of opportunities’ in Grand Rapids
Written by Kate CarlsonA Chicago-based property management firm sees long-term opportunity in the Grand Rapids market following a pair of apartment building acquisitions in the past six months totaling more than $17 million in investment.
GRAND RAPIDS — Bazzani Building Co. has sold its recently constructed, all-electric Bradford Station apartment building in Grand Rapids for $4.65 million to a Chicago-based property management firm.
Mno-Bmadsen builds real estate portfolio via new partnership
By CHEZ OXENDINE | Tribal Business NewsDOWAGIAC — Mno-Bmadsen, the non-gaming investment arm of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, has co-invested in a mixed-use property that aims to play a role in the revitalization of a Southwest Michigan city.
Business owners, housing advocates call for $1.65B to meet affordable housing goals
Written by Kate CarlsonA group of business owners and environmental and housing advocates are calling on the state to invest $1.65 billion in affordable, energy efficient homes as the Whitmer administration also pursues a statewide housing plan.
Two entrepreneurs and a construction industry veteran are launching a new Grand Rapids-based construction management firm.
GRAND RAPIDS — When Richard App started his role as retail retention and attraction specialist at the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce in January 2020, Gazelle Sports was on his list of retailers he hoped to bring downtown.
GRAND RAPIDS — The Rowe, a downtown Grand Rapids mixed-use building formerly owned by the DeVos family office, recently sold for $19.6 million to a California-based real estate firm.
Grand Rapids Gold considering Van Andel Arena for next venue after DeltaPlex closes
Written by Jayson BussaThe Grand Rapids Gold is working with downtown entertainment officials to see whether Van Andel Arena could be the minor league basketball team’s new venue, according to a team executive.
GRAND RAPIDS — City officials have approved a 12-year Neighborhood Enterprise Zone tax incentive for the $52 million second construction phase of the Studio Park development downtown.
Kalamazoo mixed-use development receives additional state loan as construction costs spike
Written by Kate CarlsonKALAMAZOO — The developer planning a 52-unit, mixed-use project at a former industrial site north of downtown Kalamazoo will receive $1.2 million in additional state loans as construction costs escalate.
GRAND RAPIDS — The developer proposing a massive redesign of a former Grand Rapids furniture factory recently acquired the sprawling building, brought on a partnering development firm and received a six-month zoning-related extension from city planners.
Colliers, Advantage Commercial Real Estate resolve breach of contract, other claims involving staffers
Written by Kate CarlsonFormer executives at Colliers International’s West Michigan office that left the real estate group in January 2021 to start their own firm breached non-solicitation obligations in the process, according to an arbitration resolution announced this week.
Walker officials to consider 250-unit apartment project at former golf course
Written by Kate CarlsonWALKER — An Illinois developer is seeking final site plan approval for a 250-unit apartment complex at the former Lincoln Country Club that would greenlight the first phase of what’s been a multi-year process stalled by neighborhood concerns and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Developer planning massive Sligh factory housing project requesting extension
Written by Kate CarlsonGRAND RAPIDS — Sturgeon Bay Partners is seeking an extension involving plans to redevelop the former Sligh Furniture Co. factory in Grand Rapids into a 753-unit apartment project.
HOLLAND — Nonprofit housing organization Dwelling Place is partnering with First United Methodist Church and Hope Church to develop a 46-unit, affordable apartment development in downtown Holland.
GRAND RAPIDS — The public authority that administers three major downtown Grand Rapids venues could expand its portfolio in the coming years with a new riverfront amphitheater and a popular downtown music venue.
GRAND RAPIDS ‘LINCHPIN’: Modeled off Van Andel Arena, $116 million amphitheater project already attracting national developers’ attention
Written by Kate CarlsonGRAND RAPIDS — Local entertainment and development officials say a planned $116 million outdoor amphitheater is modeled off the success of Van Andel Arena and could serve as an even stronger catalyst for further downtown development.
The Fair Housing Center of West Michigan is one of 20 housing organizations across the country preparing to distribute funds from a landmark $53 million settlement that the National Fair Housing Alliance reached with Fannie Mae.
Convention/Arena Authority approves $24.3M amphitheater land purchase; further study on managing downtown venue
Written by Kate CarlsonGRAND RAPIDS — The Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority has approved plans to purchase Grand River waterfront property to develop an amphitheater and also will further consider leasing and operating GLC Live at 20 Monroe.
Convention/Arena Authority seeks to lease, operate GLC Live at 20 Monroe venue
Written by Kate CarlsonGRAND RAPIDS — The public authority that operates Van Andel Arena, DeVos Place and DeVos Performance Hall could add GLC Live at 20 Monroe to its portfolio of venues.
GR City Commission to vote on 201 Market sale to allow waterfront amphitheater
Written by Kate CarlsonGRAND RAPIDS — The Grand Rapids City Commission is set to vote on selling downtown waterfront property to make way for an outdoor amphitheater.
GRAND RAPIDS — Synia Jordan is unimpressed with a Michigan Department of Transportation online survey that’s gathering public feedback about potentially changing US-131 between 28th Street and Wealthy Street.
Peter Beukema saw an opportunity during the pandemic to start a new role in the hospitality industry, stepping down as CEO of Suburban Inns late last year. He is still one of the owners of the family-owned business, but he has formed his own third-party hotel management company called 6PM Hospitality Partners LLC.
Hospitality executives see positive signs of leisure travel activity increasing across West Michigan, though corporate travel still lags pre-pandemic levels.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has announced $2.6 billion in Continuum of Care funding for roughly 7,000 housing and service programs addressing homelessness across the country.
‘LONG TIME COMING’: Franklin Partners purchases sprawling Site 36 in Wyoming for future manufacturers
Written by Kate CarlsonWYOMING — Franklin Partners LLC purchased the sprawling former General Motors stamping plant in Wyoming known as Site 36 late last month for $5.25 million and plans a new industrial development on the property for multiple manufacturers.
As companies take varied approaches to in-person and remote work, commercial real estate experts generally agree that office square footage needs will likely shrink with the adoption of more hybrid workspaces.
Acrisure plans 230 new hires, need for second downtown GR building still unclear
Written by Kate CarlsonGRAND RAPIDS — Acrisure LLC opened its new $33 million office in downtown Grand Rapids in August 2021, and expects it will need more space by the end of this year as the company grows its workforce.
Commercial real estate experts have struggled to predict the future of the office market since the COVID-19 pandemic started, though they expect demand for high-quality office spaces to remain strong.
State lawmakers recently amended a rarely used tax incentive tool for large-scale redevelopments of contaminated property to make it more accessible to developers.
‘LONG TIME COMING’: Franklin Partners purchases 74-acre Site 36 in Wyoming for future industrial redevelopment
Written by Kate CarlsonWYOMING — Franklin Partners LLC has purchased the sprawling former General Motors stamping plant in Wyoming known as Site 36 for $5.25 million and plans to build a new industrial development on the property.
Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives plans move to larger location
Written by Kate CarlsonGRAND RAPIDS — The Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives plans to relocate to an 18,000-square-foot, three-story space in Grand Rapids’ Heartside neighborhood, which would be a major expansion for the organization.
Fair Housing Center of West Michigan awarded federal housing discrimination funds ‘in the nick of time’
Written by Kate CarlsonGRAND RAPIDS — The Fair Housing Center of West Michigan is one of 11 agencies in the country receiving federal funding to support housing discrimination victims who have been increasingly affected during the COVID-19 pandemic.
GRAND RAPIDS — New Standard plans to open its first dispensary in Grand Rapids with a new building in the city’s Midtown district near Medical Mile.
HOLLAND — After a yearslong public feedback and planning process, the city of Holland is assessing the sole proposal it received after putting out a nationwide request to develop downtown waterfront property.
M&A Awards: Eastern Kille Distillery looks to continue growth after $3.75M sale of GR facility
Written by Kate CarlsonEastern Kille Distillery’s owners plan to ramp up barrel inventory and open a “world class” experience at an upcoming production facility with the huge return on investment the business made from selling its Grand Rapids property last year.
Eastern Kille Distillery plans outdoor cocktail garden, distillery along White Pine Trail
Written by Kate CarlsonPLAINFIELD TWP. — The Plainfield Charter Township Planning Commission has approved Eastern Kille Distillery’s plan to relocate its distilling operation to a 16-acre property along the White Pine Trail.
HOLLAND TWP. — A privately held real estate company in Georgia recently purchased Felch Street Shopping Center in Holland Charter Township for $21 million.
MUSKEGON — General contractor, construction management and design firm Erhardt Construction Co. is opening a new office in Muskegon, company officials have announced.
GRAND RAPIDS — Barrio, a Cleveland-based taco chain with multiple locations in Michigan, is expected to open this spring on the first floor of the historic Helmer Building in downtown Grand Rapids.
Grand Haven restaurant The Toasted Pickle expanding with new downtown Rockford location
Written by Kate CarlsonROCKFORD — The Toasted Pickle specialty sandwich shop in Grand Haven is expanding with a second location in downtown Rockford at the former Ramona’s Table restaurant.
MiBiz on WOOD-TV8: Grand Haven to consider Chinook Pier redevelopment proposal
Written by MiBiz StaffCity officials in Grand Haven are considering a Zeeland-based developer’s proposal to reconfigure Chinook Pier in downtown.
ALBION — Businesses in the small eastern Calhoun County city of Albion mostly operated on the fringes of town until a slow but steady spark of development several years ago started breathing life back into downtown.
$12.2M Belknap Lookout affordable housing project aims to stop displacement in neighborhood
Written by Kate Carlson
GRAND RAPIDS — Property once planned for a high-end residential project is now slated to be redeveloped into 52 affordable apartments in the city’s Belknap Lookout neighborhood.
A Kent County housing organization has named a new president to oversee an action plan and raise funding after years of community-wide research on housing insecurity and homelessness.