Whitecaps announce 5-year LMCU Ballpark modernization project

Whitecaps announce 5-year LMCU Ballpark modernization project
Renderings of a five-year plan to overhaul LMCU Ballpark.

COMSTOCK PARK — West Michigan Whitecaps executives have announced a five-year, multi-phase plan to upgrade their home facilities at LMCU Ballpark.

Phase one of the overhaul will begin this spring and should be completed by opening day in 2024. Changes include upgraded player facilities, a new playing surface with reconfigured field dimensions, new stadium lights, and group hospitality areas where lawn seating currently exists in right and left fields.

Phase two would start construction in 2025 and include a new stadium entrance, exterior and beautification projects to accommodate other events, and a 360-degree concourse that would allow fans to walk completely around the field.

Whitecaps ownership said today that the project, which launches nearly 30 years after the team’s inaugural season, is meant to carry the team through the next 30 years and draw new generations of fans.

“We could not be more excited to unveil our vision for the next chapter of baseball in West Michigan,” Whitecaps CEO Joe Chamberlin said during a press conference this morning. “As stewards of this franchise, we know this place has grown incredibly deep roots and in a lot of ways this ballpark has become the community’s ballpark.”

Detroit-based Rossetti and Plainfield Township-based Progressive AE Inc. designed the project, while Ada-based Erhardt Construction serves as the general contractor.

The project will “rely on significant private investment along with targeted public support to reach completion,” according to an announcement, which did not disclose a project cost.

Born from a partnership between Lew Chamberlin and Denny Baxter that dates back to 1986, the Whitecaps are the High-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. The team has drawn more than 11 million people to games during its 30-year history and has sent dozens of players on to play for the Tigers.

LMCU entrance

Apashe plays at The Stache at The Intersection in downtown Grand Rapids. Photo via instagram.com

LMCU left

A $3.3-million expansion to a local retirement community is underway. A new 15-bed assisted living building is under construction for Holland Home’s Breton Rehabilitation & Living Centre at Breton Woods in Kentwood. “The growth of our assisted living services at Breton Woods is part of Holland Home’s overall strategy to meet the needs of our aging population,” said Mina Breuker, president and CEO, Holland Home.  The 12,999-square-foot building will feature private rooms with private bathrooms around a communal dining and living area with a residential kitchen. The building will also have a den, spa, nurses station, staff office and linen rooms. The facility will be completed in the fall. It was designed by Grand Rapids-based Post Associates Architects, and Ada-based Erhardt Construction is performing the build out. The new building is expected to create 10 to 15 jobs. Breton Rehabilitation & Living Centre opened a similar 15-bed facility in the fall of 2015, which is full. “Staff will handle any necessary tasks, whether it is dealing with personal care, doing laundry or making the resident a snack,” said Sara Heethuis, executive director, Breton Woods. “It has been shown that universal workers experience less job stress and spend more time engaging with residents.” Holland Home Holland Home was founded in 1892. The organization has three campuses: Breton Woods, Fulton and Raybrook. Holland Home also provides a variety of services through HomeCare of Holland Home, Helpers of Holland Home, Faith Hospice and Trillium Woods.

LMCU right

A rendering of the expansion of the Breton Rehabilitation & Living Centre at Holland Home's Breton Woods campus in Kentwood. Courtesy Holland Home