Michigan Builds on Record-Breaking Housing Momentum, Announces Housing Developments in Grand Rapids

Support through the Revitalization and Placemaking program will reactivate retail space and add 17 total housing units to the Cesar E Chavez corridor

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced a redevelopment project receiving support from the bipartisan Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) program, which will see the rehabilitation of a functionally obsolete building in Grand Rapids.  

This project, supported by a $874,000 RAP grant, will create 17 new residential rental units and generate a total capital investment of over $3.9 million, adding housing density to the Cesar E Chavez corridor of Grand Rapids. The RAP program provides access to gap financing for place-based infrastructure development as well as real estate rehabilitation and development.  

“We need to ‘build, baby, build’ so every Michigander has a safe, affordable place to call home,” said Governor Whitmer. “The Revitalization and Placemaking Program helps turn old, abandoned buildings into new, vibrant places that attract and retain talent, add new housing options, and create space for new business. This year, we’ll make the largest investment to build housing in Michigan and continue charging ahead with programs like RAP to increase supply, drive down costs, and make Michigan a better place to live, work, and invest.”   

“On behalf of the MEDC, we are pleased to work with communities across Michigan like Grand Rapids and invest in their resilience through the RAP program as part of our ‘Make It in Michigan’ economic strategy’s placemaking efforts,” said Michele Wildman, MEDC Chief Place Officer. “This redevelopment will add critical housing to the Grand Rapids community and breathe new life into a functionally obsolete building.” 

The rehabilitation of a former one-story building into a three-level, mixed-use development will increase residential density in the area while also enhancing walkability and connectivity in the community. In addition, the building will be an all-electric building to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and eliminate negative health impacts associated with natural gas in living spaces.  

First-time developer Juan Lopez, a long-time resident of Grand Rapids, is partnering with Cella Building Company on the redevelopment project. In addition to receiving training from and partnering with Cella Building Company, Lopez attended Grand Rapids’ Developer Day seminar and the MEDC’s Emerging Developer Roadshow, gaining valuable knowledge and experience to bring this development to life, in addition to the financial support.  

“I want to thank the MEDC for all their help and efforts in making our development possible,” said developer Juan Lopez. “This project will leave a long-lasting impact on the area and help create future jobs and housing that will strengthen our community.” 

“The City of Grand Rapids could not be more excited to partner on this deal, as we are working to deliver more opportunities to emerging real estate entrepreneurs,” said Grand Rapids Economic Development Director Sarah Rainero. “We are committed to providing equal access to all of our tools and resources and want to see the momentum of activating property in neighborhood corridors continue. By partnering with the State on this project, the City is furthering our goal to be more equitable and welcoming place to live, work and play.”    

“The Cesar E. Chavez corridor in Grand Rapids has seen a lot of investment and hard work over the years, and it’s exciting to have that momentum continue. Last year’s completion of a $7.5 million roadway improvement project was a big step forward, and now, with this $870,000 grant to create new residential units, we’re building on that progress,” said Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids). “This is exactly what the RAP program — and the Democrats’ increased funding for it — were meant to do: support projects that strengthen neighborhoods and create more opportunities for the people who live there. This corridor has long been a vital part of the community, home to so many people and businesses that make Grand Rapids special. It’s great to see them finally getting the attention and investment they deserve.”  

“The MEDC’s Revitalization and Placemaking RAP program provides crucial access to capital that can help accelerate important work across the state. I am grateful for the $874,000 RAP grant that will help provide much needed housing in our district,” said State Representative John Fitzgerald (D-Wyoming). “I congratulate Mr. Lopez and the Cella Building Company for their work in helping to revitalize and provide safe, affordable housing on the Cesar E. Chavez corridor. The MEDC’s Emerging Developer Roadshow is a valuable tool in the state’s toolbox as we work hard to address the housing crisis around the state.” 

 

Growing Grand Rapids 

This most recent RAP grant builds on other support for housing and placemaking efforts in Grand Rapids. In August 2024, the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) Board approved a Transformational Brownfield Plan that will transform the Grand Rapids riverfront through multiple mixed-used developments, including housing, parking and cultural enhancements. The overall project is expected to bring in over $700 million in investment, create 735 residential units and support 250 new jobs.  

And in October 2023, the MSF Board approved a Transformational Brownfield Plan for a series of redevelopment and new construction projects that will bring an additional influx of residents and commercial activity to Grand Rapids. The Factory Yards project is expected to add approximately 467 new units – including 94 units of affordable housing – and bring more than $146 million in investment to the southwest side. 

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.