Story

As uptown Grand Rapids’ first new residential construction project in more than 50 years, the mixed use venture called Fairmount Square will establish a new neighborhood within the Fairmount Square Historic District.  The site borders Cherry  Street and Hollister Avenue and incorporates the D.A. Blodgett building.  With context sensitive planning and sustainable engineering by Nederveld, the  project will reflect the distinct character and historic attributes of its surrounding community.

Current plans call for 37 two-story townhouses at approximately 1,000 to 1,500 square feet in size.  A new building on the northeast corner of the site will provide the area with 6,400 square feet of additional retail space, including a locally owned restaurant.  The new neighborhood will also feature LEED certification of the rehabilitated D.A. Blodgett building and the retail building.  The site design will also incorporate sustainable practices including raingardens, permeable pavement and a cistern that reclaims stormwater for irrigation of the park.  



A major part of the redevelopment effort includes the renovation of the D.A. Blodgett building, which will house the Inner City Christian Federation, a local non-profit housing corporation.  The D.A. Blodgett building is a Beaux-Arts building, originally designed in 1908.  It has gone through various owners since D.A. Blodgett moved out in 1976, most recently being abandoned and going through demolition by neglect hearings through the local Historic Preservation Commission.  Restoration efforts will comply to local and federal preservation guidelines and garner historic tax credits.

With housing prices ranging from $125,000 to $195,000 this project will allow people to affordably reside in new, beautifully designed homes within a traditional urban neighborhood, in close proximity to restaurants, shops and businesses, as well as downtown Grand Rapids.