News Summary
Grand Rapids will soon see the redevelopment of the former Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts (UICA) into a coworking hub. Supported by over $1.25 million in state grant funding, this project aims to foster entrepreneurship and provide flexible office spaces. With features like private offices and a 200-person movie theater, the initiative underscores the city’s commitment to enhancing its commercial landscape and supporting local businesses. Memberships will start at $60 per month, with the opening date yet to be announced.
Grand Rapids is set to benefit from a significant redevelopment project, as the State of Michigan has announced over $1.25 million in grant funding. The redevelopment will convert the former Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts (UICA) building, located at 2 Fulton Street SW, into a coworking hub aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and supporting small businesses. Governor Gretchen Whitmer made the announcement on Monday, emphasizing the project’s role in enhancing commercial space in downtown areas and improving the quality of life across Michigan cities.
The funding is part of the state’s Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) program, which also allocated resources for other redevelopment projects in the communities of Holly and Utica. The grant aims to create a versatile workspace that will provide entrepreneurs with flexible office space to help them thrive in a collaborative environment.
The redevelopment initiative is being spearheaded by Bamboo, a Detroit-based development company that operates coworking locations in major cities such as Detroit, Royal Oak, and Ann Arbor. The plan for transforming the UICA building includes the following features:
- Flexible office spaces
- Private offices
- High-tech meeting rooms
- A 200-person movie theater
- An outdoor event venue
Furthermore, the developers have committed to honoring the UICA’s legacy, which provided free community programming for over 40 years. The new coworking hub will include free public events and community engagement opportunities, enhancing its role as a working and community hub.
Memberships for the coworking hub will start at $60 per month, although the exact opening date has not been disclosed, with a description of the facility as “coming soon.” In addition to the RAP grant, a loan of $2.4 million has been pledged by the Michigan Strategic Fund through Bank Michigan, further supporting the redevelopment. The project is also backed by the State Small Business Credit Initiative, which will aid in the development process through its collateral support program.
Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks has expressed enthusiasm regarding the project’s potential impact on local business support and job creation. The coworking hub’s development highlights Grand Rapids as a growing center for entrepreneurship and innovation, creating spaces where people can live, shop, and engage in community activities.
The project is positioned within a broader strategy aimed at improving economic development across Michigan, generating jobs, and providing affordable housing. This initiative follows similar developments in the area, such as the Horizon project, which proposes to build 171 mixed-use apartments, showcasing a trend toward revitalization and community enrichment in Grand Rapids.
State and local support for the redevelopment project includes a brownfield reimbursement plan and funds sourced from various initiatives aimed at enhancing housing and commercial spaces within the city. The combined efforts illustrate a commitment to fostering vibrant communities that stimulate economic growth and provide residents with quality living and working environments.
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HERE Resources
New Coworking Space Set to Open in Grand Rapids
Additional Resources
- Crain’s Grand Rapids: $40M Housing Project
- Wikipedia: Grand Rapids, Michigan
- WZZM 13: Former UICA Building Redeveloped
- Google Search: Grand Rapids housing redevelopment
- MLive: Redevelopment of Obsolete Grand Rapids Building
- Google Scholar: Grand Rapids redevelopment
- Fox 17: Office Building into Residential Space
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Grand Rapids Michigan
- MLive: 10 Major Developments in Grand Rapids
- Google News: Grand Rapids housing projects
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.
