News Summary
Grand Rapids is gearing up for significant urban development with several projects under review, including a mixed-use development and a 72-unit apartment complex on Ball Avenue NE. The city is also actively working to address parking challenges amidst the opening of new event venues downtown. With a focus on enhancing community living and improving housing options, Grand Rapids continues to prioritize growth and accessibility for its residents.
Grand Rapids is taking significant steps in managing its urban development as multiple proposed projects have recently been reviewed by local planning commissions and city leaders. Among the most notable projects is a large village-style mixed-use development, highlighting the city’s commitment to diverse and modern living spaces.
In addition to the mixed-use development, the planning discussions this month included a strip mall and a gas station/convenience store. However, one of the standout proposals is a 72-unit apartment complex situated on Ball Avenue NE. This development, located across from Huff Park and a community farm in the Creston Neighborhood, is being spearheaded by the Wheeler Development Group. This project will require the demolition of the former Huff Park Elementary School building located at 2286 Ball Ave. NE.
The proposed apartment complex will consist of three buildings, each housing 24 apartments, aiming to add much-needed housing options in the area. With a focus on enhancing community living, this development is in line with the city’s efforts to expand its residential offerings.
Grand Rapids is also currently addressing ongoing challenges related to parking availability as new event venues prepare to open downtown. The Acrisure Amphitheater and Amway Soccer Stadium are set to draw large crowds, and local residents have already expressed concerns about the difficulties of finding parking, particularly on weekends when street parking is free. Many drivers report spending time circling blocks in search of available parking spaces.
Currently, the downtown area boasts approximately 49,000 parking spaces under the management of 200 different agencies. Corewell Health oversees the largest share, offering nearly 9,000 parking spaces, while the city of Grand Rapids manages about 4,800 spaces. Observational data indicates that the most readily available parking spots are typically found within a half-mile walk of major event venues, making proximity an essential consideration for visitors.
In response to the parking congestion, the city is actively exploring a variety of solutions. One possible avenue includes expanding the free DASH shuttle system to improve transportation accessibility. Additionally, city officials aim to implement technological solutions to offer real-time updates on parking availability through an app developed by the vendor Modii. This effort seeks to alleviate some of the congestion currently experienced in the downtown area.
To better address the parking needs of residents and visitors, the city plans to collect parking data through the end of the year. A report summarizing the findings and providing recommendations for managing future parking demand is expected by spring or summer of 2026.
Another significant development in Grand Rapids is the change in ownership of Breton Village, a 200,000-square-foot open-air lifestyle center. Acquired by WS Development and the asset management firm Barings, Breton Village features a variety of tenants, including popular retail brands such as Lululemon, Anthropologie, West Elm, Warby Parker, and D&W Fresh Market. This lifestyle center underwent extensive redevelopment from 2017 to 2019 to transform it into a vibrant open-air destination, enhancing the shopping and dining experience for the community.
As Grand Rapids moves forward with various developmental projects, the city remains committed to improving housing options, addressing transportation issues, and enhancing community spaces. These efforts reflect the city’s proactive approach to urban planning and its dedication to fostering a thriving and accessible environment for all residents.
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Additional Resources
- MLive: Apartment Community Planned at Former Huff Park School Property
- Wikipedia: Urban Development
- Fox17: Grand Rapids Explores Parking Solutions
- Google Search: Grand Rapids parking solutions
- Chain Store Age: WS Development Acquires Grand Rapids Lifestyle Center
- Google Scholar: Urban Development Grand Rapids
- MLive: Huge Mixed-Use Project Approved in Grand Rapids Area
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mixed-use development
- WGRD: Grand Rapids Major Projects
- Google News: Grand Rapids development projects
