Grand Rapids and Northville Receive State Incentives for Exciting Projects
In a significant boost for local developments, the Michigan Strategic Fund board has approved several incentives aimed at enhancing projects in both Grand Rapids and Northville. This includes plans for a new amphitheater and soccer stadium in Grand Rapids and important public amenities in Northville.
Major Developments in Grand Rapids
The board has given the green light to a comprehensive $252.3 million Transformational Brownfield Plan incentive package to support the construction of the new Acrisure Amphitheater in Grand Rapids. This state-of-the-art venue will have a capacity of 12,160 seats and is set to be built on a 10.6-acre site at 201 Market Ave. along the banks of the Grand River.
According to a briefing memo from the Michigan Economic Growth Corporation, the amphitheater will cover 296,109 square feet and is part of a larger plan that includes a 475,207-square-foot apartment building, which will feature 475 residential units and a parking garage.
In addition to the amphitheater, a 134,500-square-foot soccer stadium is planned for an 8.2-acre lot on the city’s west side. This new facility will hold 8,500 seats and will be part of a mixed-use development called The Stadium District Tower. This project will also add 263,600 square feet of space for retail or restaurants, office space, 260 apartment units, and a 350-space parking structure.
Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss expressed excitement about these projects, stating that the funds will help carry on the legacy of Grand Action by enriching the community. “These projects are not just buildings; they hold a promise of new opportunities for local businesses,” she remarked. “They will breathe new life into our underused riverfront property and spur development in the city.”
Northville’s Revitalization Efforts
The City of Northville also received a boost with the state’s approval of a tax capture request, capped at $2.08 million, for the redevelopment of the 7.85-acre former Northville Downs site. This initiative will help fund essential public amenities including restoring the Rouge River to its natural state and creating a new public park.
Seth Herkowitz, Chief Operating Officer for Hunter Pasteur, the development partner on this project, mentioned that this work is vital for the area. “The daylighting of the Rouge River and the creation of River Park is a crucial green infrastructure project for Michigan,” he said. “It will deliver long-term benefits to Northville and the larger region.”
The project also involves transforming the area into a community known as The Downs, which will feature single-family homes, townhouses, condos, apartments, and small businesses. Altogether, this development will add 443 housing units, 18,580 square feet of retail space, two major parks, and enhance connectivity for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles.
Funding for these projects includes $2.5 million from the federal American Rescue Plan Act and a $1 million grant from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, showcasing a robust effort toward community enhancement.
Support for Local Businesses
In a separate move, the board approved a $1.2 million grant for the Northland Corp. in Greenville. This funding is aimed at expanding their manufacturing facility from 175,000 square feet to about 227,750 square feet, requiring over $21 million in new equipment. This expansion is expected to create as many as 200 new jobs while retaining 116 existing positions.
As development efforts continue to unfold in Grand Rapids and Northville, local officials believe these projects will invigorate the economies of their respective cities while providing lasting amenities and resources to their communities.
