Grand Rapids Boston Square Project to Add 45 Apartments, Food Hall and Community Space

GOVERNOR WHITMER ANNOUNCES RAP GRANTS FOR BOSTON SQUARE TOGETHER

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced two redevelopment projects receiving support from the bipartisan Revitalization and Placemaking program, creating new opportunities for housing and commercial space in Grand Rapids and Saline.

The Grand Rapids project will add 45 critical housing units and community space in the Boston Square neighborhood, while Saline will see four residential units, commercial space and green space on two downtown parcels.

Together, the projects will generate a total capital investment of over $33 million in the state while activating vacant properties and increasing community vibrancy.

BOSTON SQUARE TOGETHER PROJECT DETAILS

In the City of Grand Rapids, approximately 1.3 acres in the Boston Square neighborhood will be redeveloped into a four-story, mixed-use building, creating 45 new apartments along with 9,410 square feet of commercial space and 9,048 square feet of public space.

The project is part of the Boston Square Together Project, a neighbor-informed, comprehensive redevelopment of 10 acres in the neighborhood that aims to increase housing, commercial space for entrepreneurs, and community amenities.

The project will be supported by a $1.3 million RAP grant to assist with costs associated with construction costs and site conditions and bring a total anticipated capital investment of $25,537,050.

The City of Grand Rapids is supporting this phase of the project with a $400,000 HOME grant.

DEVELOPER INFORMATION

BSQ Together, the development entity, is a development entity of Brinshore Development, LLC, a private firm specializing in the development of affordable and mixed-income housing, founded in 1994.

Brinshore is one of the nation's largest and most successful housing development firms in the affordable housing market.

Founded in 2018, Amplify GR invests in securing economic pathways for residents of designated neighborhoods in Grand Rapids, resulting in real opportunities to participate in and benefit from neighborhood growth.

Amplify GR utilizes a holistic approach to community partnership and revitalization modeled after Purpose Built Communities, a nonprofit organization headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.

GOVERNOR'S COMMENTS

"Our population is growing, and we've been ranked a top state for opportunity and doing business," said Governor Whitmer.

"Programs like RAP help us build on this progress, attract and retain talented workers, lower costs, build housing, and enrich our communities. Let's keep working together to get things done for our state."

The RAP program provides access to gap financing for place-based infrastructure development and real estate rehabilitation and development.

MEDC SUPPORT

"The MEDC is proud to support the growth and resilience of communities like Grand Rapids and Saline as part of the state's Make It in Michigan economic development strategy," said the MEDC's SVP of Community Planning and Development Readiness Michele Wildman.

"These projects will add critical housing and residential amenities, contributing to the vibrancy and economic activity in their communities."

BOSTON SQUARE TOGETHER PROJECT TIMELINE

The F3 phase of Boston Square Together will include 45 mixed-income apartments and a food hall.

Amplify GR has developed several other projects in the Boston Square neighborhood along Kalamazoo Avenue SE. That includes Kabo Flats, a $30 million, 57-unit mixed-income apartment building expected to open in June.

Amplify has also developed a $27 million community center and a $600,000 commercial kitchen for food entrepreneurs.

COMMUNITY IMPACT

The projects will help address housing needs in growing neighborhoods while creating commercial opportunities for local entrepreneurs. The Boston Square Together Project represents continued investment in one of Grand Rapids' most historically significant neighborhoods.

The mixed-use building will provide housing options along with retail and community space, supporting the broader goals of neighborhood revitalization and economic opportunity.