Governor Whitmer Announces Nearly 50 New Housing Units and Commercial Space Coming to Grand Rapids and Saline

Governor Whitmer Unveils $33 Million Housing and Commercial Development Projects

LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced two redevelopment projects receiving support from the bipartisan Revitalization and Placemaking program, creating new opportunities for housing and commercial space in Grand Rapids and Saline on March 31, 2026.

The projects represent a combined capital investment of over $33 million in the state while activating vacant properties and increasing community vibrancy in two growing Michigan communities.

Grand Rapids Project: Boston Square Together

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 construction 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.

Saline Development: Residential and Green Space

Two parcels in Downtown Saline will be revitalized into four residential units, along with commercial and green space. This project will complement the growing residential and commercial activity in the downtown area.

RAP Program Details

The Revitalization and Placemaking program provides access to gap financing for place-based infrastructure development and real estate rehabilitation and development. 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.

These projects will add critical housing and residential amenities, contributing to the vibrancy and economic activity in their communities.

Development Partners

The development entity for the Grand Rapids project, BSQ Together I LDHA, LLC, is a development entity of Brinshore Development, LLC, a private firm specializing in the development of affordable and mixed-income housing, founded in 1994.

Brinshore is one of the nation's largest and most successful housing development firms in the affordable housing market.

Community Investment

Amplify GR, founded in 2018, invests in securing economic pathways for residents of designated neighborhoods in Grand Rapids, resulting in real opportunities to participate in and benefit from neighborhood growth. Amplify GR utilizes a holistic approach to community partnership and revitalization modeled after Purpose Built Communities, a nonprofit organization headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.

The F3 project reflects the kind of catalytic investment that can transform neighborhoods and create lasting economic opportunities for residents.

Governor Whitmer's Statement

"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 announcement demonstrates continued state commitment to housing development and economic revitalization in Michigan's growing communities, with bipartisan support through the RAP program helping to bring these projects to fruition.