Grand Rapids Boston Square F3 Project to Add 45 Housing Units and Commercial Space

LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced two redevelopment projects receiving support from the state's Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) program, creating new opportunities for housing and commercial space in Grand Rapids and Saline.

The Grand Rapids project will be located in the Boston Square neighborhood, where approximately 1.3 acres will be redeveloped into a four-story mixed-use building. The construction will create 45 new apartments, 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 construction costs and site conditions, bringing a total anticipated capital investment of $25,537,050. The City of Grand Rapids is supporting this phase with a $400,000 HOME grant.

Brinshore Development and Amplify GR Partner on F3 Project

BSQ Together, LLC 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.

"The F3 project reflects the kind of catalytic development that can transform neighborhoods," said Governor Whitmer.

Two Additional Projects Coming to Saline

In addition to the Grand Rapids project, two parcels in Downtown Saline will be revitalized into four residential units, commercial space, and green space. Together, all three projects will generate a total capital investment of over $33 million in the state while activating vacant properties and increasing community vibrancy.

"The RAP program provides access to gap financing for place-based infrastructure development and real estate rehabilitation and development," said Governor Whitmer. "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."

"These projects will add critical housing and residential amenities, contributing to the vibrancy and economic activity in their communities," said Michele Wildman, Senior Vice President of Community Planning and Development Readiness at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).

RAP Program Supports Michigan's Growth

The RAP program was created to provide access to gap financing for place-based infrastructure development and real estate rehabilitation and development. Governor Whitmer noted that Michigan has been ranked a top state for opportunity and doing business.

"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 MEDC's SVP of Community Planning and Development Readiness Michele Wildman said the projects will add critical housing and residential amenities, contributing to the vibrancy and economic activity in their communities.

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