Rockford Construction says a proposed healthcare education facility in the Belknap-Lookout neighborhood could be the new home for some of
Grand Valley State University's health-related programs. The proposed 80,000 to 90,000 square foot building would be the first Medical Mile-related spillover on the north side of I-196.
Preliminary plans call for development of a green construction "liner building" on the northeast corner of Lafayette Avenue NE and Hastings St. NE. The proposed design is similar to
38 Commerce and would wrap around and "hide" a parking structure for the building.
"We've been out working to find a lead tenant for the property and we talked with GVSU and they've shown a sincere interest," says Chad Barton, executive VP of Rockford's development services.
"We are definitely interested in Rockford Construction's proposal and are looking at the project," says Mary Eileen Lyon, GVSU's assistant VP for information services. "We have about 5,000 students in our health-related programs and we need the space. Right now, we're talking about the proposal. There are not any floor plans yet, and we're definitely interested in how the neighborhood is reacting to the proposal, as well."
Barton says 15 land parcels, all currently residential and deeded to a variety of owners including the Beckett family (Beckett Realty Group,
Beckett Property Management) were "pulled together by the Beckett's, who approached us."
"Those (houses) will eventually come down," Barton says. He says a May 24 informational meeting was attended by some 90 residents and the feedback received acknowledged that the neighborhood has significant housing vacancies. Barton says some of the neighbors indicated the demolition could help eliminate some of the vacancy issues if the current occupants were encouraged to rent existing properties within the neighborhood.
"But, if we don't have a lead tenant, we're not going to push forward with the acquisition," Barton says. "And when we do have lead tenant, we are not going to demo the houses until we're ready to do construction." That could be many months off, he says.
Rockford engaged architect Ted Lott of
Lott3Metz and Belknap resident Andy Guy of
Wondergem Consulting in the process early on because of their recent experience guiding the Neighbors of Belknap Lookout in development of its Area Specific Plan, a community vision for commercial and residential development.
"They can help us know how to navigate this and plan it as a positive factor for the neighborhood," Barton says.
Source: Chad Barton, Rockford Construction; Mary Eileen Lyon, Grand Valley State University
Writer: Deborah Johnson Wood, Development News Editor
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