🏢 25 Ionia SW: The historic Lemon Wheeler Building, next to Van Andel Arena, is planned for a $4 million conversion into 27 apartments above HopCat.
🏠 New housing: Mostly studios and one-bedroom apartments, with estimated rents around $1,500 per month.
🏙️ A growing trend: Similar projects at 111 Lyon, the Ledyard Building, and the Trust Building are transforming former downtown offices into residential and hospitality space.
These projects reflect a broader shift in how downtown Grand Rapids is being used. More residents could support restaurants, retail, and entertainment beyond traditional business hours, but a strong downtown also depends on businesses and employment.
As more historic office buildings become apartments, what do you think downtown Grand Rapids still needs to become a better place to live?
#GrandRapids #GrandRapidsMI #GrandRapidsMichigan #WestMichigan
2 days agorockybellenger
I think the city planners need to do something about the parking. I think more people from outside the city would go downtown if parking was a lot better.
3 days agodavethompsonstudio
Is this moment one of the reasons why GR seems to have a reverse rush hour? For the least 10 years or so, afternoon traffic on I-96 has become much heavier entering the city from the east, and heavier leaving the city in the during the morning rush. No one I ask can come up with a rationale for this. It’s just odd. But either way, it’s great news. Onward, GR!
3 days agojimhocking
📌 Downtown has historically relied heavily on office workers to support restaurants, retail, and other businesses. More residents could help sustain that activity beyond the typical workday. Do you think downtown Grand Rapids would benefit more from additional housing, or should attracting employers and office workers remain a bigger priority?
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