New townhomes being constructed at E Fulton St. in Grand Rapids.
Eight new townhomes are being built at 638 E Fulton St. in Grand Rapids, addressing the need for middle-income housing. Developer Adam Rogalski aims to create accessible rental options, with additional plans for properties on Powers Ave. The project is supported by a city grant and seeks to integrate community feedback in its design.
Grand Rapids, MI – Eight new townhomes are under construction at 638 E Fulton St., marking a significant development on a previously vacant grassy lot at the corner of Fulton Street and Lake Drive. The ambitious project is being led by first-time developer Adam Rogalski, who aims to provide much-needed housing for the missing middle-income bracket in the local real estate market.
The construction is conveniently located within walking distance of downtown Grand Rapids, making it an attractive option for future residents seeking proximity to city amenities. The total expected cost for the project exceeds $2.6 million, highlighting the investment being made into enhancing the area’s housing landscape.
In addition to the townhomes on E Fulton St., Rogalski is planning to develop two residential structures on his lots at 764 and 800 Powers Ave. NW, named the Powers Place project. Each of these structures will consist of four rental townhome units, aiming to cater to diverse income levels. Notably, two of the units are designated for households earning 80% of the area median income, while the remaining six will be available for renters earning 100% of the area median income.
For context, the income range for a family of four in Kent County falls between approximately $85,120 and $106,400, making this project crucial to addressing the housing needs of families within that bracket.
The development process has received a boost from the Grand Rapids Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, which approved an $182,810 grant for pre-construction services on May 1. This grant is part of the city’s emerging developer grant program, funded by the Local Brownfield Revolving Fund, aimed at revitalizing underused or vacant properties in the area.
Rogalski, who has been involved in real estate investment in Grand Rapids since 2011, has faced various challenges during the development process. He encountered setbacks, including the passing of his architect and concerns raised by neighbors regarding the project’s potential impact on the community.
In response to community feedback, adjustments were made to the original plans, reducing the total number of units from ten to eight and limiting the height of the buildings to two stories. The revised design emphasizes practicality and community integration, featuring townhomes with separate entrances, driveways, and attached garages, which align more closely with local residential character.
The West Grand Neighborhood Association has expressed support for these refined plans, indicating a positive reception within the community. Importantly, the project does not require rezoning since it is situated in the Traditional Neighborhood-Low Density Residential zone district. This zoning regulation was amended last year to facilitate the approval of multiple family dwellings by right, streamlining the construction process for developers like Rogalski.
As the construction progresses, the project at E Fulton St. and the Powers Place project are anticipated to contribute significantly to addressing the housing needs of Grand Rapids, particularly for families seeking accessible rental options in a prime location close to urban amenities. With the support of local organizations and the city’s redevelopment initiatives, these new townhomes stand to enhance the community’s residential offerings while promoting economic growth in the area.
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