25 replies to this topic

[GRDadof3]

ridetherapid, on Apr 11 2009, 12:01 AM, said:

The furniture industry is such an important part of GR's history; I'd love to see as many of these buildings preserved as possible.  I hope this project goes through and we see many similar re-uses of these types of structures!  Take a look at the area around this big guy - there is plenty of space for "cool, fresh" projects to be built.

The GR condo market seems a bit saturated but I think we could use more apartments.

Well said.  In that area S.O.W., there's probably at least 1.5 Million square feet of old industrial space that could see new life some day.  I don't think there's any way 1.5 Million in new residential construction could be built in Grand Rapids any time soon (20 years at least).  And there are vacant lots scattered around these buildings that could be infilled with new construction.  In fact, there's a vacant lot between the Century and the Klingman Buildings.

Those buildings are a gift and an asset, especially so close to downtown, that many other cities would kill to have.

There are a lot of ways to dress up old warehouses:

[joeDowntown]

This would be fantastic. This building has a lot of loft potential and would be a good addition to all of the growth in the area. The only negative is it seems a bit isolated by the wealthy street bridge to the north, and 131 to the east.

Joe

[Gorath]

HDC Companies out of Ann Arbor is seeking tax credits and MSHDA funds for the renovation.  The plan is for one or two bedroom apartments, 90 in total.  

http://www.mlive.com...siness_man.html

Edited by Gorath, 21 April 2009 - 05:59 PM.

[GRDadof3]

Ping.  Looks like this building is getting its historic designation, which will allow the developers to seek historic preservation tax credits.

[joeDowntown]

Good news. Anyone know if the developers are optimistic on the chances of this going through? It's a great old building and would be a nice addition to that side of town (plus, it is within stumbling distance to Founders .

Joe

[GRDadof3]

joeDowntown, on 09 October 2011 - 01:17 PM, said:

Good news. Anyone know if the developers are optimistic on the chances of this going through? It's a great old building and would be a nice addition to that side of town (plus, it is within stumbling distance to Founders . Joe

I think now that the urban market is a go, that has triggered this project to move forward (as well as Wealthy Jefferson).  I think people are foreseeing another boom of development in that area around Wealthy and Jefferson.  Available land, available old buildings, highway access, transit, etc..

I'd give it a pretty good shot.