A new apartment complex is coming just south of downtown Grand Rapids.

The multi-phase project, Factory Yards, will transform a 13.4-acre contaminated industrial site into housing and commercial space.

“The EGLE grant is focused on the first mixed-use phase, which involves the rehabilitation of three industrial buildings into mixed-use buildings with housing and commercial spaces,” said Andrea Ryswick, EGLE Brownfield Coordinator. “At least 10 percent of all rental housing units will be held for tenants making less than 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Additionally, at least 10 percent of each type of rental unit will be for tenants making less than 80% of the AMI.”

The vacant property began as a furniture plant in the 1890s. It later served as a spring and wire manufacturer and as a parachute sewing facility during World War II, and it has been used for storage since the 1990s.

When the first phase is complete, it will include at least 200 housing units, 100 full-time jobs, 100 part-time jobs and 31,600 square feet of commercial space. Once all phases are complete, the project will create up to 450 residential units and 100,000 square feet of commercial space. Planned amenities include a half-acre outdoor plaza, ground-floor and micro-retail space, and a food hall in one of the buildings.

 

Proposed exterior rendering of the Factory Yards apartment complex (courtesy of EGLE).

 

“The EGLE Brownfield Redevelopment Grant will pay for additional site assessments, transportation and disposal of contaminated soil, and the installation of a vapor venting system,” Ryswick said. “In addition, grant funds may be used to remove two underground storage tanks and for a barrier to prevent contact with any remaining contamination. The city of Grand Rapids approved an $8.2 million tax exemption for the project.”

Factory Yards is the first Grand Rapids project to receive transformational brownfield incentives. The work also includes a $1 million EGLE grant for assessment of chemicals, soil and other conditions at the site.

The property is at 655 Godfrey Ave. SW, off Market Avenue and near the Grand River.

_{Renderings and photos courtesy of EGLE.}