News Summary
Two housing developments, Alpine Senior Apartments and Union Suites on Coit II, have received low-income housing tax credits in Grand Rapids. Additionally, Gaines Township is considering two new projects that will add over 400 housing units, including Stoneworks Condominiums and Authentix Gaines, reflecting a shift towards diverse housing options in the area.
Grand Rapids – Two housing developments in Grand Rapids have been awarded low-income housing tax credits by the state of Michigan, as announced by Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s office. The Alpine Senior Apartments and Union Suites on Coit II will contribute a total of 104 new apartments for residents, addressing the ongoing need for affordable housing in the area.
In addition to developments in the city, one rural suburb in Kent County is considering plans for two projects that would add more than 400 housing units. Gaines Township’s Board of Trustees is scheduled to vote on rezoning requests for these projects on July 14, signifying a potential shift in the township’s approach to housing.
One of the proposed projects is a for-sale single-family condo development called Stoneworks Condominiums, spearheaded by Jenison-based Koetje Builders & Developers. The development aims to build 90 units on nearly 46 acres located at 1264 100th St. SE, adjacent to Gaines Township’s southwest border. These condos are projected to sell for between $450,000 and $600,000 each, offering an upscale housing option in the region.
Another significant proposal is from Continental Properties, which has plans for a 336-unit apartment complex named Authentix Gaines. This complex is to be situated approximately 7 miles northeast of Stoneworks, on about 41 acres at 6326, 6330, and 6338 Hanna Lake Ave. SE. The apartments are expected to range in lease prices from around $1,300 for studios to approximately $2,050 for three-bedroom units, targeting market-rate renters.
Both housing projects represent a shift in the types of housing available in the township, which has historically focused on single-family detached homes over the past six decades. Dan Wells, the community development director of Gaines Township, indicated that these developments would enhance housing diversity to meet various income levels and lifestyles.
For the Stoneworks Condominiums, Koetje Builders plans a mix of housing types, including 52 detached site condos, eight four-unit buildings totaling 32 units, as well as six single-family lots intended for another builder. The condominiums will vary in size from 1,200 to 1,800 square feet, each equipped with attached two-car garages. The development plan aims to transition agricultural land to village residential zoning, which allows for smaller lot sizes and mixed housing types, while maintaining the rural character of the area.
Construction on Stoneworks is anticipated to start in the summer of 2026, with the first units set to be available by early 2027, and the entire project slated for completion by 2028.
Continental Properties’ Authentix Gaines will feature 14 two-story apartment buildings, each offering 24 units across a range of layouts from studio to three-bedroom configurations. Planned amenities for the complex include a clubhouse, fitness center, swimming pool, community garden, and walking trails, enhancing the living experience for future residents. Additionally, the developers propose donating over three acres for a public park, although if this park does not proceed, the land will remain as green space.
The Authentix apartments will showcase modern designs with open-plan layouts, stainless steel appliances, and ample parking space allotted for residents. Groundbreaking for Authentix Gaines is projected for December, with an expected completion date in fall 2027. The development will be financed through a combination of debt and private equity, with architectural services provided by Hooker DeJong Inc., civil engineering by Exxel Engineering, and construction by Rhode Construction.
The approval of these projects, both in Grand Rapids and Gaines Township, reflects a growing commitment to increasing affordable housing options in Michigan, addressing the diverse needs of its residents.
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Additional Resources
- MLive: Grand Rapids Affordable Housing Projects
- Wikipedia: Affordable Housing
- Fox17: Grand Rapids Affordable Housing Project Completion
- Google Search: Grand Rapids Housing Projects
- Crain’s Grand Rapids: Housing Projects in Kent County
- Google Scholar: Affordable Housing Michigan
- WOOD TV: Grand Rapids Project Adds Housing
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Housing
- AInvest: Grand Rapids Housing Crunch
- Google News: Grand Rapids Housing Developments
