GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A groundbreaking ceremony was held in the Boston Square neighborhood of Grand Rapids, celebrating the start of construction for a new 57-unit affordable rental housing building at 1470 Kalamazoo Avenue SE.
This building, part of the Boston Square Together initiative facilitated by Amplify GR, will also feature nearly 5,000 square feet of retail space for entrepreneurs and sit on land formerly occupied by Standard Kitchens.
“This concept was created together with neighbors and community partners for the future of Boston Square,” said Rev. Kenneth Hoskins, Oakdale Neighbors executive director and chair of the Boston Square Neighborhood Association. “The engagement process captured what neighbors said they wanted for housing, so we are excited to bring the ideas to reality.”
Known as “F2 Building” (F is for family) within the Boston Square Together Site Plan, the structure is expected to be completed in 2026. The building captures and delivers on a priority expressed by neighbors to have mixed-income housing for their community.
The four-story, 57-unit building will feature three rental options:
- 17 one-bedroom units
- 30 two-bedroom units
- 10 three-bedroom units
The units will be designated as “mixed-income and affordable,” meaning:
- 80% are reserved for families earning between 20-60% Area Medi Income
- 20% are reserved for “missing middle” housing 80% and above AMI
The process for applying for the units has yet to be confirmed. Project officials hope to finalize and share that information shortly.
The building will offer nearly 5,000 square feet of commercial retail space on the ground floor. Project leaders hope to attract local entrepreneurs looking for high visibility in a collaborative environment within the high-traffic Boston Square Business District. Amplify GR is exploring a community ownership pilot for the space.
The design and scope of the F2 project was informed through a community process facilitated in 2019 by Boston Square Together partners and continuing today through monthly engagement from a Neighborhood Advisory Committee. UrbanWorks was the lead architect, Brinshore Development is the development partner and Rockford Construction is leading construction.
“The City of Grand Rapids is proud to partner with Boston Square Together and Amplify GR to support this housing and commercial development through the Grand Rapids Affordable Housing Fund,” shared Mayor Rosalynn Bliss. “The City shares neighbors’ priority of creating equitable development opportunities, and I personally cannot wait to see families enjoy this new community asset.”
