LANSING, Mich. — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced three Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) approvals for projects in West Michigan Tuesday.
The two projects include the plan to build hundreds of new housing units, greenspace, stadium and amphitheater on the riverfront in Grand Rapids as well as an expansion of the Northland Corporation's facility in Greenville.
“By supporting upgrades along the Grand Rapids riverfront including housing, greenspace, and entertainment hubs, we can help the city grow, bringing more families and businesses to the area. By retaining a longstanding manufacturer in Greenville, we can protect an economic engine of Montcalm County, supporting long-term growth,” said Gov. Whitmer.
In Grand Rapids, the MSF board approved support for multiple mixed-use development projects that include adding housing, parking, an amphitheater, a riverwalk, an apartment building and a soccer stadium.
Developer Grand Action 2.0 and the City of Grand Rapids Brownfield Redevelopment Authority requested the incentive package totaling about $252.3 million. The combined projects are expected to bring over $700 million in investment while creating 735 residential units and supporting 250 new jobs.
The projects in Grand Rapids include:
- The Acrisure Amphitheater, a world-class entertainment center of approximately 296,109 square feet and 12,160 seats.
- A publicly owned riverwalk between the Acrisure Amphitheater and the Grand River, which will include a paved trail for walking, running, cycling, and public greenspace along the riverbank.
- The project will also include a 21-story mixed-use building with 475 market-rate rental apartments, 3,660 square feet of retail, and 475 parking garage spaces.
- A 134,500-square-foot, 8,500-seat soccer stadium located west of downtown, hosting the only team in a major professional league in Grand Rapids and including a full-size soccer pitch to support national and international matches.
- An 18-story, mixed-use commercial building and parking garage to be constructed to the north of the stadium known as The Stadium District Tower, which will include retail or restaurant space, office space, a 350-space parking structure, and 260 residential apartment units.
- A 4,200-square-foot, 224-foot-long pedestrian skybridge, providing connectivity to visitors of the new district.
“On behalf of the Grand Action 2.0 co-chairs and our project partners, I offer sincere thanks to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the Michigan Strategic Fund and the City of Grand Rapids for their tremendous support,” said Grand Action 2.0 Executive Director Kara Wood. “Energized by the Michigan Strategic Fund approval of our Transformational Brownfield Plan, I look forward to continuing this strong public-private partnership as, together, we get the amphitheater, stadium, mixed use redevelopment project over the finish line.”
In Greenville, the MSF board approved support for Northland Corporation's planned expansion to its facility. The refrigeration company is the fifth-largest employer in the city.
The $21.4 million project is being supported via a $1.28 million Michigan Business Development Program grant.
The expansion is expected to create up to 200 new jobs in the city while protecting another 116 existing jobs.
"We’re excited about the expansion of our manufacturing facility in Michigan,” said Andy Doberstein, president of Northland Corporation. “This state is home to a remarkable workforce, and we are excited to leverage their talents to produce more cutting-edge refrigeration products. Our commitment to innovation and quality will continue to drive our growth and success in this great community."
The MSF also approved the redevelopment of a former horse racing facility into a community park in Northville Tuesday. That project is being supported by a Brownfield Act 381 Work Plan valued at about $2 million.
“As Team Michigan continues to execute our ‘Make It in Michigan’ economic development strategy focused on People, Places and Projects, today’s approved projects support our vision of creating vibrant communities and an ever-improving environment for businesses and the residents who they employ to thrive,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., Michigan Economic Development Corporation CEO and Michigan Strategic Fund President and Chair. “I am grateful to Governor Whitmer, the Michigan Legislature, the MSF Board, and our partners on the local level for their continued work to ensure our friends and neighbors know they can ‘Make It’ in Michigan. Work remains and we are committed to getting it done.”
