New Mixed-Use Development Brings 45 Apartments and Community Space to Boston Square

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — A new four-story mixed-use building is coming to the Boston Square neighborhood, adding 45 critical housing units and a neighborhood food hall to the area.

The project received a $1.3 million grant from the state's Revitalization and Placemaking program, with additional support from the City of Grand Rapids through a $400,000 HOME grant. The building will be completed by July 2027.

Boston Square Together Project

The development is part of the larger Boston Square Together project, a comprehensive neighborhood revitalization effort spanning 10 acres that aims to increase housing, commercial space for entrepreneurs, and community amenities.

The four-story building at 1480 Kalamazoo Avenue SE will include:

• 45 mixed-income apartment units
• 9,410 square feet of commercial space, including a planned neighborhood food hall
• 9,048 square feet of public space

Developer and Community Partners

The project will be developed by BSQ Together I LDHA, LLC, a development entity of Brinshore Development, LLC. Brinshore is one of the nation's largest and most successful affordable housing development firms, founded in 1994.

Amplify GR, which invests in securing economic pathways for residents of designated neighborhoods in Grand Rapids, is also supporting the project. The organization utilizes a holistic approach to community partnership and revitalization.

State Support

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

"The RAP program provides access to gap financing for place-based infrastructure development and real estate rehabilitation and development," Wildman said. "These projects will add critical housing and residential amenities, contributing to the vibrancy and economic activity in their communities."

F3 Project

The F3 project represents a phase of the broader Boston Square Together initiative, which has been developed through neighbor-informed, comprehensive redevelopment planning.

The project will receive a total anticipated capital investment of approximately $25.5 million, with the state grant covering costs associated with construction and site conditions.

Growing Housing Needs

Governor Gretchen Whitmer highlighted the importance of such developments as the state continues to grow.

"Our population is growing, and we've been ranked a top state for opportunity and doing business," Governor Whitmer said. "Programs like RAP help us build on this progress, attract and retain talented workers, lower costs, build housing, and enrich our communities."

The Boston Square neighborhood has been the focus of significant redevelopment in recent years, with multiple projects bringing new housing and commercial space to the area. This latest development continues that momentum with affordable and mixed-income housing options.

This story originally appeared on the Grand Rapids Press Wire.