News Summary
A new housing development is underway in the Boston Square neighborhood of Grand Rapids. Two local businessmen plan to construct a four-story building with 27 apartments and commercial space on a currently vacant lot at 1356 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, revitalizing the area. This initiative is supported by a city grant program aimed at enhancing housing availability and stimulating local commerce, with funds directed towards various projects targeting underserved neighborhoods throughout the city.
Grand Rapids Set for New Housing Development
Grand Rapids is set to see a significant housing development in the Boston Square neighborhood as two local businessmen team up to create a four-story building with 27 apartments and ground-floor commercial space. The project will be located at 1356 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, aiming to rejuvenate a currently vacant lot in the area.
Key Developers Behind the Project
The initiative is headed by Bing Goei, owner of Eastern Floral and a former city commissioner, alongside his collaborator Saleem Usmani, a real estate investor based in Holland. Their partnership symbolizes a local commitment to enhancing housing availability while also bringing commercial options to the neighborhood.
City Support for Housing Projects
This project is part of a broader city initiative to support housing development through an emerging developer grant program. Since October 2023, this program has awarded nearly $2 million to various projects across the city, potentially adding 261 housing units to the Grand Rapids area. Funded by the city of Grand Rapids’ Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, the grant program prioritizes projects in underserved neighborhoods, particularly on the southeast, southwest, and west sides of the city.
Aims and Objectives of the Grant Program
The emerging developer grant program is designed to assist developers with limited experience in navigating the complex development process. Grants can cover a range of expenses, including site planning, environmental assessments, surveys, and architectural services. The primary goal of the program is to foster new opportunities for real estate entrepreneurs and help address the ongoing housing shortages in the area.
City’s Development Strategy
The city aims to utilize a multifaceted approach to strengthen the local development ecosystem. Strategies include providing free permit-ready plan sets and establishing a city land bank for tax-foreclosed properties. From January 2025 to May 2025, the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority awarded over $1.25 million to emerging developers, with an additional $2 million planned for the fiscal year starting July 1, 2026.
Additional Projects Supported by the Grant Program
One noteworthy recipient of grant funding includes contractor Juan Lopez, who received $182,500 to convert a building into mixed-use apartments and a restaurant. Another recipient, Ryan Cooper, plans to add a second story to an existing commercial building to develop market-rate apartments. These examples illustrate the program’s intention to enhance housing diversity and availability in the region.
Resources for New Developers
The city’s development department has initiated resources aimed at assisting new developers, which include bilingual outreach materials. The program also mandates that established firms partner with emerging developers, offering guidance and support throughout their projects. This collaborative approach is intended to reduce the risks associated with real estate ventures and ensure a smoother development process.
Conclusion
The planned 27-apartment building in Grand Rapids’ Boston Square neighborhood represents a step towards addressing housing needs while also stimulating local commerce. Supported by the city’s ongoing commitment to encourage new development, this project highlights the potential for revitalization in underdeveloped areas and the importance of community-oriented solutions in urban planning.
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Additional Resources
- MLive: 27 Apartments & Retail Space Eyed for Vacant Lot
- Fox17: Grand Rapids’ Newest Affordable Housing Project Complete
- Crain’s Grand Rapids: Program for Emerging Developers
- Crain’s Grand Rapids: Newcomer Developers in Grand Rapids
- MLive: Affordable Housing Meets Healthcare in New Development
- Wikipedia: Housing in the United States
- Google Search: Grand Rapids Housing Development
- Google Scholar: Grand Rapids Urban Planning
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Housing Development
- Google News: Grand Rapids Housing
