October 6, 2025

New Townhome Developments Approved in Grand Rapids

News Summary

Grand Rapids moves forward with two substantial townhome developments set to add 115 units to the northeast side. The Planning Commission approved both projects aimed at addressing the housing demand in the area, with varying rental and purchase options. The Knapp Hills Townhomes and Parkside Townhomes developments promise modern amenities and diverse living spaces as the city focuses on expanding its residential landscape.

Grand Rapids is set to see a significant increase in its housing options with the approval of two major townhome developments that will collectively add 115 residential units to the city’s northeast side. The Grand Rapids Planning Commission gave the green light to the site plans for both projects in September, facilitating a crucial step forward in addressing the ongoing demand for more housing in the area.

The first development, Knapp Hills Townhomes, is spearheaded by Wheeler Development Group, LLC, and will be constructed on Dean Lake Avenue. This project will feature 38 rental units spread across eight buildings, each containing four units, along with one six-unit building. The designated addresses for the development are 2014, 2020, 2046, and 2070 Dean Lake Ave. NE.

Knapp Hills Townhomes will comprise a mix of units, including 20 two-bedroom options with single-stall garages and 18 three-bedroom options with two-stall garages. The development aims to provide attractive amenities such as a dog park and a pavilion. Rental prices are projected to range between $2,100 and $3,150, although the exact construction start date remains unconfirmed, with hopes of a groundbreaking occurring in early 2026.

The architectural design of Knapp Hills Townhomes is anticipated to resemble that of the Meadowood Townhomes, another recent development by Wheeler Development Group. Despite the approval, the project has encountered opposition from the Maple Grove Condominium Association due to concerns about potential traffic congestion on Dean Lake Avenue. However, a traffic analysis conducted showed only a minimal impact on current traffic levels, a finding corroborated by the city’s traffic engineer. The Creston Neighborhood Association, in contrast, has expressed support for the project.

The second development, Parkside Townhomes, is being planned by Brave Development LLC. This development will feature 77 townhomes and two single-family homes located at 1644 Ball Ave. NE, situated on approximately nine acres of wooded land. The site is conveniently located between Leonard and Knapp streets and will have a new cul-de-sac incorporated into its layout, while the existing farmhouse will not be included in the development.

Parkside Townhomes will consist of a combination of unit types, with 28 three-bedroom townhomes boasting 1,581 square feet and two-car garages, and the remaining 49 townhomes featuring two-bedroom layouts with areas of 1,293 square feet and carport parking. Plans also include a playground at the end of the new street for residents and families to enjoy. Pricing for Parkside Townhomes is anticipated to fall between $325,000 and $400,000.

Developers Brandon Visser and Nate Coffman, known for their previous project Northern Dell Commons, are behind the Parkside initiative. The site is ideally located next to Berkley Hills Church and adjacent to Ball Perkins Park, an expansive 80-acre green space that adds to the appeal of the area.

Preliminary approval for Parkside Townhomes was granted by the planning commission back in December 2024, paving the way for the development that aligns with the city’s housing strategy and aims to accommodate the growing population with diverse living options.

With both Knapp Hills and Parkside Townhomes moving forward, Grand Rapids is poised to enhance its residential landscape, meeting the needs of current and future residents while revitalizing the northeast side of the city.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER

GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.

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