New Housing Project Brings 48 Units to Growing Corridor

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Developer Matthew O'Connor is converting a former Grand Rapids Family Credit Union into a 48-unit workforce housing project called Plymouth Flats, bringing new residential options to the northeast Grand Rapids corridor.

The two-acre site at 1225 Plymouth Ave. NE was home to the credit union that closed its doors in 2024. O'Connor's Plymouth Flats project will transform the vacant property into residential housing for workers, addressing the growing demand for affordable housing in Kent County.

The project aligns with state and local efforts to revitalize commercial spaces and create housing opportunities. The Grand Rapids Family Credit Union has been closed since 2024, leaving the property vacant for over a year.

Part of Larger Housing Initiative

The development comes at a time when Michigan is actively supporting housing projects through the bipartisan Revitalization and Placemaking program. Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently announced nearly 50 new housing units and commercial space coming to Grand Rapids and Saline as part of the state's revitalization efforts.

The RAP program provides gap financing for place-based infrastructure development and real estate rehabilitation, helping bring new housing and commercial space to underserved communities.

Supporting Local Growth

The northeast Grand Rapids corridor has seen significant development activity in recent years. The area's commercial corridor continues to evolve as developers look for opportunities to repurpose existing buildings for residential use.

Plymouth Flats represents another step in converting underutilized commercial properties into housing, a trend that has gained momentum across Michigan as the state addresses housing needs.

The project will provide much-needed housing options for workers in the area, contributing to the broader housing market in Grand Rapids and surrounding communities.