Story

Design Plus has been hired by Gem Realty Capital out of Chicago, Illinois to help re-develop the existing Knollwood Apartments adjacent to Western Michigan University. The existing complex was built in the early 1970s and has fallen into a state of disrepair. After significant architectural and financial analysis, a decision was made to renovate the existing buildings and add four new buildings in order to maximize project density, as well as return on investment. The new project will accommodate 754 total student housing beds in both a townhome and apartment format. American Village Builders in Kalamazoo is the pre-selected Construction Manager responsible for pricing and construction. Construction completion is anticipated in the fall of 2008, and the estimated construction value for the project is $22,000,000.