By: Deborah Johnson Wood
In the 85-year history of the Grand Rapids Community Foundation (GRCF), the organization has never owned its office space. But thanks to a lead gift of $1 million from local philanthropists Tom and Mickie Fox, the historic Anheuser-Busch bottling plant at 72 Grandville Avenue will be the GRCF's first property.
With 17,000 square feet of usable space the organization will have room to hold conferences and seminars, donor events, and expanded office space—they now have 7,000 square feet.
"I have been admiring the building for at least two years," says Diana Sieger, president of GRCF, who reveals the foundation's building selection process started four years ago.
"We wanted visibility for the foundation and to demonstrate our commitment to Grand Rapids," Sieger continues. "If we have a strong core city with strong neighborhoods it will positively impact the entire region."
The building is actually three connected structures: the loading dock, the icehouse, and the former stables for the delivery horses. Sieger says renovation plans include LEED certification and retaining the historic character of the structure, its interior brick walls, and the signature Anheuser-Busch eagles on the building's exterior.
Sam Cummings, owner of Second Story Properties, the company who owns the icehouse, served on the GRCF board. Sieger says that when Cummings discovered the GRCF was interested in the property he resigned from the board to avoid a conflict of interests.
The GRCF plans to close on the building next month and complete the renovation by August 2008.
Source: Diana Sieger, Grand Rapids Community Foundation
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Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at [email protected].
Photograph by Brian Kelly
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