Grand Rapids – A Michigan Success Story

Another Reason to Invest in Grand Rapids Real Estate

As reported by CNNMoney.com, the west side of Michigan and Grand Rapids in particular should and could be a model for the rest of the state. Grand Rapids is a small, modest city with a population of 200,000. Two decades ago we were heading the way of Flint, Pontiac and Detroit but somewhere along the way, our fortunes changed and not by accident. Grand Rapids is blessed with a winning combination of business leadership, public-private cooperation and local philanthropists that care about the city.

Signs of growth are everywhere  in downtown Grand Rapids, not the least of which is the Van Andel Arena, home to our Grand Rapids Griffins IHL Hockey Team, the Grand Rapids Rampage and host to a variety of international stars and events. Evidence of this urban renewal is visible all across our now Vibrant city but the real gem is in a section of the city named the Medical Mile. A $1 Billion (and growing) medical complex which includes specialized treatment facilities, a cancer research center and a medical school. Started in 1966 with the opening of the Van Andel Institute, it has expanded to include the Grand Rapids Community College’s Calkins Science Center across Bostwick Avenue, Spectrum Health’s Butterworth Hospital complex, Grand Valley State University’s Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences, and Michigan State University Secchia Center Medical School, among other facilities in the area.

While Grand Rapids has it’s share of foreclosures and short sales, there are positive signs in the Grand Rapids Real Estate market as well. For example, the downtown Grand Rapids condo scene has done fairly well. There are new developments springing up like Riverhouse Condos. Riverhouse Condos has been the fastest selling condo project in Grand Rapids with over 130 units sold in 14 months. Other new construction condos are the Fitzgerald Condos which are as ritzy as the name sounds and are simply spectacular condos in the center of Grand Rapids. Thirty Eight Condominiums are the newest project and occupancy is projected for July or August. Park Row Condos are new and have just reduced their prices. These condos are located in the Grand Rapids Medical Mile and are definitely worth a look.

So, in my opinion, this was a great article and only serves to highlight the positive changes that can be realized through hard work, leadership and vision. For more information on the Grand Rapids real estate market, feel free to call me direct at 616-570-1871 or contact me anytime.