The lot on 48th Avenue north of Griff Georgetown includes nearly a mile of cobblestone. But they are filled with overgrown cracks.
After the 26-hectare area was designated for mixed use, it became a moorland where the flowers and seeds attracted golden sheep and butterflies.
This land was once owned by Calvin Dice and his family, residents of the town of Blendon. Registered as Arena Development and Van Eyk Construction, and working with Nedereveld Associates engineers, the team proposed an ambitious mixed-use development on the former farmland, including buildings are designed as ‘work-in-place’ units, large retail spaces and sidewalks. . developed. Worth mentioning is the village at Bower’s Crossing and the market place at Bower’s Crossing.
The plan was revised several times during nearly a dozen meetings of planning committees. Final approval for Phase 1 development was received on November 17, 2004 by a split vote.
Infrastructure work had already begun, but the vacant land was sold in 2005 to Spartan Divestures, the company that built the six-unit apartments. The land was later sold to a company in Chicago. Calvin Dees died suddenly in January 2007.
Grand Rapids-based Redstone Homes is currently purchasing the property, with plans to build apartments and nursing homes on the site.
Redstone Homes received final planning permission after appearing before the planning board on July 16. The property’s current zoning — a proposed mixed-use unit development — applies. used for a new project proposal, called Bower Crossings.
David Stebbins, Redstone’s vice president of land development, told the planning committee that the stand-alone building on the 48th Avenue lot had been scrutinized. According to him, it is structurally expensive and will be incorporated into the new project and repaired to suit the new architectural style.
The proposal includes four- and six-story apartments, several independent residences, and an assisted living center.
Construction is taking place in four phases, starting on the west side. The entrance is on 48th Ave. Commercial use is not recommended. Assisted living centers are built and operated by other parties. All developments provide public water and sewers.
Each stage of development must be approved by the Planning Commission before construction can begin.
According to Barb Rink, the project’s real estate agent, development will take place soon. He said the area needed affordable housing, including apartments. He also said that extensive landscaping is planned along with two ponds.
“We’re looking forward to getting started,” Nederveld engineer Robert Behrends told the planning committee.
