Grand Rapids West Side Gets New Housing Development as Adobe Mexican Kitchen Makes Way for 109-Unit Project

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - A major housing development is taking shape on Grand Rapids' West Side as the former Adobe Mexican Kitchen site prepares for transformation into a 109-unit apartment complex and commercial space.

The Michigan Strategic Fund approved a $4.75 million loan on Tuesday to support the Abode West Fulton project, which will be led by Construction Simplified, a family-owned developer whose headquarters are located right across the street from the proposed site at 617 Fulton West.

Project Details

The development will feature 109 studio and one-bedroom apartments along with three commercial suites. One commercial spot has already been leased, according to the Michigan Strategic Fund board meeting.

Amenities planned for the project include:

• Dog washing station
• Fitness studio
• Concierge laundry service
• Outdoor deck spaces with communal areas
• Community club room

Funding and Support

In addition to the $4.75 million state loan, the project will receive support from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation through Act 381 state tax capture worth up to $1.8 million.

The City of Grand Rapids is expected to contribute $3.6 million in incentives, including the Neighborhood Enterprise Zone and Brownfield TIF, according to the MSF board meeting.

Developer Plans

Brent Gibson, president of Construction Simplified, told the MSF board that the project represents 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.

Gibson added that Construction Simplified has been making deliberate investments in the Westside corridor for a long time.

"We're grateful for the support from the Michigan Strategic Fund, MEDC, and the City of Grand Rapids to help move this vision forward. Abode West Fulton is about adding energy, housing, and walkable retail that contributes to the long-term vitality of a growing and evolving Westside," Gibson said.

Grand Rapids Economic Development Director Sarah Rainero expressed enthusiasm for the partnership.

"The City of Grand Rapids celebrates the partnership with the MEDC and Construction Simplified to activate an underutilized site through Community Revitalization Program dollars. These state resources are critical to advancing brownfield redevelopment projects and will complement the momentum already underway to bring new amenities to the West Fulton business district. Redeveloping this site will strengthen the City's overall economic vitality, including adding vibrancy to a walkable mixed-use district, where new residents, businesses, and visitors can enjoy this great city," Rainero said.

Location and Timeline

The project is located near the Acrisure Amphitheater and Grand Valley State University's downtown campus, making it accessible to students and event attendees.

The family-owned Adobe Mexican Kitchen has already relocated to a new location on Bridge Street, which is being built by Construction Simplified.

No exact construction dates were shared in the announcement, but demolition of the former Adobe Mexican Kitchen is expected to begin in late May.

Market-Rate Pricing

According to the MSF memo, the studio apartments will cost around $1,442 a month, while the one-bedroom apartments will cost around $1,735 a month.

The project also includes 6,550 square feet of commercial space, positioning it as an anchor tenant to enhance the overall vibrancy of the West Fulton corridor and support the active Fulton Street Business Association.

The development represents continued investment in Grand Rapids' West Side and adds to the growing momentum of brownfield redevelopment projects in the area.