News Summary
Plans are underway in Grand Rapids for the demolition of a vacant grocery store, previously known as Duthler’s, to make way for a new mixed-income apartment complex. The project, estimated to cost around $36.4 million, will feature 168 units across seven buildings. With a commitment to sustainability, the complex will include on-site amenities and is expected to open in summer 2026. This development aims to address the housing shortage in the growing city.
Grand Rapids is set to see significant changes as plans move forward for the demolition of a vacant grocery store at 4325 Breton Road SE, previously known as Duthler’s. The grocery store has remained empty since it closed in 2017 due to lease issues. In its place, a new mixed-income apartment complex is planned, consisting of seven buildings with a total of 168 units.
The total estimated cost for this new housing project is approximately $36.4 million. The Brownfield Redevelopment Authority of Grand Rapids has approved a reimbursement request of $14.9 million to SW Real Estate Investment, the developer behind the project. This funding will be drawn from the city and state’s housing tax increment financing program, aimed at promoting residential development in the area.
This new apartment complex is designed to be five stories tall and will offer a variety of living options, including studio apartments, as well as one- and two-bedroom units. Residents will benefit from multiple amenities, such as on-site parking, a fitness center, a dog wash, a roof deck, and a publicly accessible coffee shop, enhancing community accessibility.
Notably, the project emphasizes eco-friendliness, featuring multiple solar panels and designing the building to be completely gas-free, aligning with sustainable development trends. The construction of this apartment complex is slated to conclude with a grand opening in the summer of 2026, marking the introduction of much-needed housing to the growing population of Grand Rapids.
The need for additional housing has been underscored by various sources, with a notable emphasis from the developer, who has highlighted that Grand Rapids has not fully recovered its housing production capacity since the financial crisis of 2008. This shortage has become increasingly apparent as the city continues to grow, making such projects essential for accommodating the rising demand.
This particular site holds personal significance for the developer, as it is located in an area tied to his family’s history. The planned apartment development aims not only to address housing shortages but also to contribute to the ever-evolving landscape of the west side of Grand Rapids.
The transition from a vacant grocery store to a vibrant residential community marks an essential step towards revitalizing the area, while simultaneously providing additional housing options for residents. The arrangement of mixed-income housing is expected to positively impact the local neighborhood dynamics and foster community engagement within the newly established complex.
As construction unfolds and plans develop, the local government and community will closely monitor the project’s progress and its implications for the Grand Rapids area. The demolition of the empty grocery store stands as a precursor to an exciting new chapter for residents and future tenants alike, promising a modern living environment equipped with the necessities for a comfortable lifestyle.
The evolving real estate landscape in Grand Rapids reflects broader trends across many cities in the United States, where urban areas are increasingly transforming disused spaces into multifunctional living environments. The initiative to replace the vacant grocery store with a modern apartment complex showcases a commitment to urban renewal and highlights the importance of synchronized progress in responding to changing housing needs.
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Additional Resources
- MLive: Vacant Grand Rapids grocery store to be demolished
- Wikipedia: Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Fox17: Site of old Grand Rapids grocery store demolished
- Google Search: Grand Rapids housing development
- WZZM13: Duthler’s grocery store demolition for apartments
- Google Scholar: Urban renewal Grand Rapids
- WoodTV: Duthler’s grocery store to be demolished soon
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Urban development
- MLive: Demolition of vacant Grand Rapids grocery store scheduled
- Google News: Grand Rapids apartments
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.
