News Summary
Raven Flats Townhomes is a new development in Grand Rapids, covering 3.14 acres and featuring 24 rental units. Developer Dave Visser aims to enhance affordable housing in the area while boosting local economic activity. Construction is focused on vital infrastructure, with completion expected by mid-October 2023. This project aligns with community development goals, catering to a growing population and diverse housing needs.
Grand Rapids, MI – A new townhome development project, named Raven Flats Townhomes, is currently underway in Grand Rapids. The development will be built on a 3.14-acre site located at the southwest corner of East Beltline Avenue and 5 Mile Road. The project is spearheaded by developer Dave Visser, who aims to provide affordable rental options in the area.
The Raven Flats development will feature six buildings, each containing four units, totaling 24 rental townhomes. Construction crews are currently laying the groundwork, focusing on vital infrastructure improvements which include water, sewer, and street installations. The completion of the site work is anticipated around mid-October 2023.
This project is part of an ongoing effort in Plainfield Charter Township to enhance community living standards. The Township has identified a list of five community development projects to monitor in 2025, indicating a commitment to growth and improvement in the area.
Plainfield Charter Township, which encompasses the Raven Flats location, has a current population of just over 34,000 residents as of 2023. This growing population signifies a rising demand for housing options, reinforcing the need for new developments such as Raven Flats.
The construction of these townhomes is expected to boost local economic activity by creating jobs during and after construction through potential new tenants. The addition of rental housing will provide more options for individuals and families looking to reside in the area, contributing to a more diverse community.
As the project progresses, local officials and community members are keeping a close watch. The development aligns with the Township’s strategic planning goals for the coming years, ensuring that progress is made towards accommodating a growing population while maintaining the community’s character.
Community development initiatives such as Raven Flats Townhomes reflect broader trends in metropolitan areas, where urbanization continues to increase the need for accessible housing. Grand Rapids, known for its vibrant culture and economic opportunities, is adapting to these changes, and the new townhome development is a key part of the strategy to support sustainable growth.
Overall, the Raven Flats Townhomes project represents a significant step towards improving housing availability in Grand Rapids, responding to the needs of its residents while contributing to the area’s economic landscape.
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Additional Resources
- MLive: What’s Being Built Off the Beltline
- Wikipedia: Urbanization
- MLive: Five Development Projects in Plainfield Township
- Google Search: Community Development
- Big Rapids News: Ravens vs Crows Difference
- Google Scholar: Affordable Housing
- MLive: What’s Being Built Off the Beltline
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Urban Planning
- MLive: Development Projects in Plainfield
- Google News: Grand Rapids Housing

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.