Developers and project managers at LC Companies and
Rockford Construction Co. celebrated another successful rehab project in downtown Grand Rapids last week, converting the 118-year-old former Klingman furniture building into 83 residential living units, now Klingman Lofts.
Located at 400 Ionia Ave. SW across from Grand Rapids’ Downtown Market, it’s not the first time the two companies have partnered on a project in the neighborhood, having previously converted the similarly
century-old Baker furniture building into residential units back in 2013.
“The urban area has become attractive to all population groups in general, but there certainly is a segment of the affordable housing community downtown that is in need,” says LC President Mike Jacobson. “We did a substantial market analysis in order to determine (this) area would be attractive for residents and it turned out to be a great space.”
Jacobson says LC Companies and Rockford Construction Co. worked closely with local historians and architects to develop the building in accordance with its historical past, also working with the Michigan State Historic society to make sure the unique character and context of the space holds true throughout the development and construction processes.
At four stories and 112,000 square feet, the building required the installation of more than 600 helical piers to prevent the structure from sinking, taking somewhere around 15 months to complete and costing $22 million in total.
“It’s a type of work that we’ve done a fair amount of since roughly 2000, so we’re accustomed to it and it really turns into a wonderful product,” Jacobson says. “Our residents really like it and, if done properly, it’s great for the community as well.”
Written by Anya Zentmeyer, Development News Editor
Images courtesy of LC Companies/Rockford Construction Co.
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