News Summary
Grand Rapids Township has commenced site work on the Glenwood housing development, featuring luxury townhomes and custom-built condominiums. Spanning approximately 19 acres, the project, backed by BDR Inc., aims to address the region’s housing needs and offers a mix of residential options. Governor Gretchen Whitmer also announced a $4 million funding initiative for The Horizon, a project that plans to build 171 apartment units to further alleviate housing shortages, emphasizing sustainability and community support.
Grand Rapids Township, MI has officially commenced site work on a new housing development called Glenwood. This development is expected to feature a mix of luxury townhomes and custom-built condominiums, located on approximately 19 acres at 913 East Paris Ave., close to the intersection with Cascade Road. The project is being developed by BDR Inc. and is positioned within the highly regarded Forest Hills school district.
The initiation of the Glenwood housing development signifies a substantial investment in addressing housing needs in the region, highlighting the trend of expanding residential options amid ongoing housing shortages. The township’s efforts align with a broader focus on providing suitable housing solutions for residents.
In conjunction with the Glenwood project, Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently announced a $4 million funding initiative aimed at supporting another housing project in Grand Rapids, which seeks to alleviate statewide housing shortages. This project, known as The Horizon, aims to construct 171 apartment units within a mixed-use building located at 301 Leonard Street.
The Horizon will consist of 86 studio apartments, 91 one-bedroom apartments, and 4 two-bedroom apartments. Additionally, it will feature retail space and underground parking facilities. The project represents a modification from its initial plan, which called for more than 180 units, revised to meet community needs and resource availability.
Support for The Horizon has been bolstered by the Michigan Strategic Fund Board, which approved funding through the Michigan Community Revitalization Program. The City of Grand Rapids is contributing approximately $2.9 million in a Neighborhood Enterprise Zone tax abatement for the project. Furthermore, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority is providing tax increment financing and a $2 million grant from its Employer-Assisted Housing Fund to enhance the project’s overall financial viability.
An emphasis on sustainability is also present in The Horizon’s design, which will incorporate energy-efficient features, solar panels, and all-electric utilities, showcasing a commitment to environmental responsibility within new urban developments.
The pressing need for affordable housing has become increasingly critical for employers in Michigan, driving initiatives like Glenwood and The Horizon. The local population growth and economic expansions, such as the new Amazon delivery station and L&M Fleet distribution center developments, further underscore this necessity for additional housing options.
In a related development, Oppidan Investment Company has broken ground on another housing initiative called Mill + Miss, which will feature 132 market-rate rental units. This project will include a diverse range of apartment sizes—from one to three bedrooms—along with attractive amenities including heated garage parking, a fitness center, a game room, a coffee bar, outdoor spaces, and private balconies.
The partnership between Oppidan and local governments was fundamental in securing financing for Mill + Miss. Expected to welcome its first residents in the first quarter of 2027, the project faced initial delays linked to challenges in capital markets and rising construction costs. However, after three years of meticulous planning and negotiation, construction has now commenced.
Mill + Miss’s amenities aim to elevate living standards in the area, setting this project apart from older housing options. As the demand for housing continues to grow, driven by various factors including population influx and new business establishments, both Glenwood and Mill + Miss represent key strides in developing inclusive and affordable residential landscapes in Grand Rapids Township.
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Additional Resources
- MLive: New Luxury Homes Near I-96
- Wikipedia: Grand Rapids, Michigan
- WZZM13: Whitmer Awards $4 Million for Apartment Complex
- Google Search: Grand Rapids Housing Development
- Crain’s Grand Rapids: 16-Unit Tiny Homes Project
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Grand Rapids
- RE Journals: Housing Logjam in Grand Rapids
- Google News: Grand Rapids Housing Projects
- Wood TV: 171 Housing Units with Coffee Shop
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.
