On December 21, 2022, it was announced that a Brownfield Redevelopment Grant from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) will help redevelop contaminated property located within the Boston Square neighborhood of Grand Rapids.
In total, the multi-phased, mixed-use development encompasses 25 parcels and over ten acres of land.
Portions of the buildings are situated along Kalamazoo Avenue SE. Parking is located between the buildings which are slightly V-shaped and L-shaped.
Historic uses of the property have resulted in contamination in the soil and groundwater.
Uses of the property have included gasoline service stations, auto service centers, auto body repair shops, auto sales, auto painting, greenhouse operations, printing and engraving operations, taxicab operations, lumber yard operations, carpentry, and aluminum window and door manufacturing.
The $1,000,000 brownfield redevelopment grant will help make the property safe for reuse by supporting demolition of several existing buildings, additional environmental assessment of the property, proper disposal of contaminated soil, and installation of barriers and ventilation systems beneath future buildings to prevent potential exposure to residual contamination.
Once the property is safe for reuse, the development will begin with construction of two mixed-used buildings. In total, 102 mixed-income residential apartments and 16,000 square-feet of commercial space for local entrepreneurs will be constructed. Future phases of the development are anticipated to include additional mixed-income residential apartments and townhomes, commercial spaces for local entrepreneurs, a community hub with early learning, an amphitheater, and a public park.
Once complete, the $38,000,000 project is expected to create at least 24 part-time jobs and 24 full-time jobs, increase the City’s tax base, and revitalize over ten acres of property in an area that has suffered decades of disinvestment.
Expected outcomes:
- $38,000,000 in private investment;
- 24 part-time and 24 full-time new jobs;
- State Equalized Value increase from $669,250 to $9,000,000;
- Contaminated soil removed during construction will be properly disposed of in a landfill; and
- Installation of barriers and ventilation systems beneath the buildings to prevent exposures to residual contamination.
The project is a partnership between the city of Grand Rapids Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, Brinshore-Amplify, LLC and BSQ Together I LDHA, LLC.
Renderings of the Boston Square Together redevelopment courtesy of Grand Rapids Brownfield Redevelopment Authority.