Governor Whitmer Announces $33 Million Investment in Housing and Commercial Development for Grand Rapids and Saline

Governor Announces Housing and Commercial Development Projects Under RAP Program

LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced today two redevelopment projects receiving support from the bipartisan Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) program, creating new opportunities for housing and commercial space in Grand Rapids and Saline.

The projects will generate a total capital investment of over $33 million in the state while activating vacant properties and increasing community vibrancy.

In the City of Grand Rapids, approximately 1.3 acres in the Boston Square neighborhood will be redeveloped into a four-story, mixed-use building. This project will create 45 new apartments along with 9,410 square feet of commercial space and 9,048 square feet of public space. The project is part of the Boston Square Together Project, a neighbor-informed, comprehensive redevelopment of 10 acres in the neighborhood that aims to increase housing, commercial space for entrepreneurs, and community amenities.

The project will be supported by a $1.3 million RAP grant to assist with costs associated with construction costs and site conditions and bring a total anticipated capital investment of $25,537,050. The City of Grand Rapids is supporting this phase of the project with a $400,000 HOME grant.

The development entity is BSQ Together, which is an LDHA, LLC, a development entity of Brinshore Development, LLC. Brinshore Development is a private firm specializing in the development of affordable and mixed-income housing, founded in 1994. The firm is one of the nation's largest and most successful housing development firms in the affordable housing market.

In Downtown Saline, two parcels will be revitalized into four residential units, commercial space, and green space. The project is being supported by a $1.5 million RAP grant and will bring a total anticipated capital investment of $7,495,703. The City of Saline has committed to providing a $500,000 financial contribution to the development of the adjacent properties.

"The MEDC is proud to support the growth and resilience of communities like Grand Rapids and Saline as part of the state's 'Make It in Michigan' economic development strategy," said Michele Wildman, Senior Vice President of Community Planning and Development Readiness at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

"The RAP program provides access to gap financing for place-based infrastructure development and real estate rehabilitation and development," added Wildman. "These projects will add critical housing and residential amenities, contributing to the vibrancy and economic activity in their communities."

"Our population is growing, and we've been ranked a top state for opportunity and doing business," said Governor Whitmer. "Programs like RAP help us build on this progress, attract and retain talented workers, lower costs, build housing, and enrich our communities. Let's keep working together to get things done for our state."

The RAP program provides access to gap financing for place-based infrastructure development and real estate rehabilitation and development. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation administers the program as part of the state's broader economic development efforts.

About the RAP Program

The Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) program provides gap financing for place-based infrastructure development and real estate rehabilitation and development. The program is designed to support projects that revitalize neighborhoods, create affordable housing, and stimulate local economic activity.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation administers the RAP program as part of the state's broader economic development strategy. Projects must demonstrate community support and align with local development goals to receive RAP funding.

The RAP program is one of several tools the state uses to support economic development and community revitalization across Michigan's diverse communities.