GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Demolition crews are clearing the way for a multi-million dollar development that would bring a Meijer store closer to downtown Grand Rapids.
Workers Thursday knocked down buildings in the city block bordered by Bridge, Stocking, Seward and First streets in Grand Rapids’ West Grand neighborhood.
The project is expected to include a Meijer store, 116 market-rate apartments and 275-space parking deck. The developer says West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology will also take up 20,000 square feet of the 56,000 square-foot retail and office space that’s also part of the project.
A courtesy rendering of Rockford Construction’s proposed development on Grand Rapids’ West Side.
The city block will also include an affordable housing development by Inner City Christian Federation. That building will feature 64-units for low-income residents and first floor retail space overlooking Stocking Street NW.
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation recently approved a $6.3 million loan and $13 million in tax increment financing for the project, which Rockford Construction expects will create 150 jobs and bring in more than $55 million in investments.
Rockford Construction plans to begin construction on the development in June. The grocery store, market-rate apartments, office and retail spaces and parking ramp are expected to open in the fall of 2018.