Construction starts on $12 million affordable housing project in Grand Rapids close to the city’s ‘Medical Mile,’ which employs thousands of people.

“The new homes in the Belknap neighborhood allow individuals to attain personal growth and flourish, while at the same time allowing for an area of the city that is growing to become home for working families,” Chris Bennett, director of housing and community development for Dwelling Place, said in the release. 

Rental rates will be determined by household income and will be restricted to those whose annual income is 30% to 80% of Kent County’s median income.

The 52-unit property on Coit Avenue will bring a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments close to the city’s ‘Medical Mile,’ which employs thousands of people.

Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss said the addition of Union Suites on Coit is crucial for the city during the ground-breaking ceremony on Tuesday. Recent studies estimate a need for 5,340 rental units by 2025, according to the release.

“I applaud this project that has been brought together by Union Suites LLC, Dwelling Place and Orion Construction,” Bliss said in the release. “City Leaders and I have been working tirelessly to address the need for all housing in our city, but there is a specific need in our community for safe affordable housing like we are going to have here.”

The project is a partnership between Orion Construction, Union Suites LLC, Dwelling Place and Lott3Metz Architecture. It is costing $12.2 million, according to the release.

“For over 20 years, Orion Construction has been working on affordable housing developments in Michigan,” Brad Walsh, president of Orion Construction, said in the release. “We recognize the need for the addition to the housing stock in Grand Rapids. We are proud to be part of the solution.”

Union Suites LLC worked with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority to identify projects within Grand Rapids in areas that are experiencing increased rent rates, according to the release.

“It is important for us to bring affordable housing in areas of the city where there is the greatest need,” Nick Lovelace, partner of Union Suites LLC, said in the release. “The Belknap Lookout Neighborhood is very close to the city’s ‘Medical Mile,’ which employs thousands of individuals.”