News Summary
Plainfield Charter Township has approved plans to redevelop the former fire station site into a mixed-use project that includes housing and a ReStore. The development will feature a four-story building with 27 residential condominiums and commercial spaces. The initiative aims to revitalize the vacant lot and support Habitat for Humanity’s mission to provide affordable housing. With a dedicated parking lot and community spaces included, the project exemplifies sustainable growth and community engagement, with construction expected to start in 2027.
Plainfield Charter Township has unanimously approved the redevelopment of the former fire station site into a mixed-use project, featuring both housing and commercial spaces. The Township Board of Trustees made this decision on April 14, 2025, finalizing purchase and development agreements with Habitat for Humanity of Kent County and Orion Construction. This initiative aims to revitalize the long-vacant lot located at 2500 Five Mile Road.
The development plan includes a four-story building that will consist of 27 residential condominiums, with 12 units designed as three-bedroom apartments and 15 as two-bedroom apartments. To promote community engagement and resident well-being, the building will also incorporate a community and exercise area.
In addition to residential units, the project will feature a ground-floor ReStore, which will provide discounted building materials and home improvement products. This venture aligns with Habitat for Humanity’s mission to create affordable housing options. Approximately 10,060 square feet of the development will be dedicated to ReStore retail space, while a 2,680-square-foot area will be set aside as a community and exercise space.
Parking has also been accounted for in the plans, with a dedicated parking lot that will accommodate 92 spaces for residents and visitors. This development is part of the larger strategic initiative known as the “Reimagine Plainfield” corridor strategy, which aims to enhance the local area and promote sustainable growth by focusing on vertical development rather than horizontal expansion.
The site, once home to a fire station that was demolished two decades ago, has seen various attempts at redevelopment over the years. Previous offers, including one from Real Food Cafe, did not result in successful sales. However, the current project has gained traction following the township’s issuance of a request for proposals in November 2024, which received three valid submissions.
Andrew Claucherty from Habitat Kent noted that this redevelopment project is similar to an existing initiative in Grand Rapids, which is projected to break ground in spring 2026. The Township Board’s approval includes provisions for pursuing Brownfield redevelopment tax incentives to aid in financing the project.
Construction is slated to commence in summer 2027 if the required site plan approvals are granted, with a target completion date set for fall 2028. The property was acquired by Habitat Kent for a purchase price of $50,000, significantly lower than its assessed value of $427,500. This substantial discount was offered as an incentive to attract new development to the region.
This redevelopment project represents a concerted effort by local officials and Habitat for Humanity to meet the growing demand for housing in the township while also addressing the need for commercial spaces. The initiative exemplifies the township’s ongoing commitment to fostering sustainable growth and enhancing community resources for its residents.
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Additional Resources
- MLive: Former Fire Station Redevelopment
- Wikipedia: Smart Growth
- Crain’s Grand Rapids: Habitat for Humanity Development
- Google Search: Affordable Housing Initiatives
- MLive: Election Ballot Guide
- Google Scholar: Sustainable Development in Townships
- MLive: Kent County Primary Election Proposals
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mixed-Use Development
