News Summary
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has announced a $4 million investment in a new housing project called The Horizon in Grand Rapids. This initiative aims to address the rising housing shortages by building 171 apartment units. Located strategically between key districts, the development features energy-efficient designs and includes affordable housing options, with construction expected to begin soon. The project contributes to Michigan’s larger goal of creating 115,000 housing units by 2026.
Grand Rapids — Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has announced that the state will allocate up to $4 million to support a new apartment development in Grand Rapids aimed at addressing the growing housing shortages in the area. The project, named The Horizon, will consist of 171 apartment units and is part of a wider initiative throughout Michigan to create affordable living options for its residents.
The investment comes as a response to an escalating demand for housing in Michigan. The Grand Rapids City Commission approved a rezoning ordinance in 2024 that facilitates the construction of the new apartments at 301 Leonard Street, a site previously described as “long-blighted.” Originally, plans were made for over 180 units, but the project was subsequently scaled back.
The Horizon will feature a mix of apartment types: 86 studio apartments, 91 one-bedroom units, and 4 two-bedroom apartments. In addition to residential spaces, the five-story mixed-use building will also include retail space and underground parking. The development is designed not only to provide more housing options but also to help lower living costs for residents in the area.
The project is spearheaded by 301 Leonard LLC in collaboration with Pinnacle Construction Group. To ensure ease of access for residents, the site is strategically located between Grand Rapids’ Medical Mile and Creston Business District, with nearby access to major highways within a mile.
The City of Grand Rapids is contributing approximately $2.9 million through a Neighborhood Enterprise Zone tax abatement, which will help to alleviate the financial burden of the construction process. Additionally, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority is assisting with tax increment financing funds and providing a $2 million grant from the Employer-Assisted Housing Fund.
Sustainability is a key feature of The Horizon, which will incorporate energy-efficient designs, solar panels, and all-electric utilities. This eco-conscious approach aims to enhance overall living conditions while minimizing the environmental footprint of the development.
Projected rental rates for the units will range from approximately $1,168 per month for studios to $2,200 for two-bedroom apartments. To support housing accessibility, 15% of the apartments will be set aside for residents earning up to 110% of Kent County’s median income, with an additional 5% reserved for those making up to 70% of that median. These income restrictions are designed to remain in effect for a period of 25 years.
Construction of The Horizon is anticipated to commence within the upcoming week or two, with a target completion date set for summer 2027. The development of this vacant lot, which has been unoccupied since the 1960s, requires significant adjustments to the current landscape and infrastructure.
This endeavor is part of a broader state-led plan aimed at generating 115,000 housing units across Michigan by 2026, marking an increase from an earlier goal of creating 75,000 units. Such initiatives are crucial as Michigan seeks to mitigate its housing crisis and provide affordable living solutions to its growing population.
The Horizon’s construction is a significant step towards revitalizing a blighted area while promising to deliver much-needed housing to the residents of Grand Rapids and surrounding communities.
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Additional Resources
- MLive: New Grand Rapids Housing Development
- Wikipedia: Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Michigan Senate GOP: Apartment Development in Grand Rapids
- Google Search: Grand Rapids housing development
- WZZM13: Whitmer Awards $4 Million for New Apartments
- Google Scholar: Affordable Housing Grand Rapids
- RE Journals: Breaking Housing Logjam in Grand Rapids
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Housing
- Fox17: Mel Trotter Ministries’ Affordable Housing
- Google News: Michigan Housing Plan
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.
