CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS COMMISSION

For a second time within the past five years, the City of GR Planning Commission will be considering the conversion of an old church into apartments. This newest request comes from Rasa Lofley, a partner with 111 Halo LLC; if this application gets the “green light”, a 76-year-old Lutheran Church, located at 445 Knapp Street, NE, will see new life. The proposed site would consist of five 3-story townhouse apartments within the existing church structure and the parking lot housing a new 2-story, 9-unit apartment structure. The church has seen many uses since it was built in 1942 and it is the hope of the developer to breath new life into the building and into the up and coming Riverside Gardens Community

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STUDIO PARK PROJECT TO BEGIN THIS SPRING

Down town parking is becoming a challenge: On April 9, 180 fewer parking spaces will be available to commuters. Parking Area 5 is being closed in preparation of construction for the approved $140-million “Studio Park”, which will include a movie theater, office space, hotel, apartments and parking ramp. A block-long area of U.S. 131 Business Route, between Oakes & Cherry Streets, along with a full block to the West, extending to Ottawa will be closed. There will be several other street closures in conjunction with this major attraction, so locals must maintain their sense of humor and remember that upscale living & attractions will soon be available to many!

ANOTHER BIG SCORE FOR “THE RIGHT PLACE, INC”

An Ohio-based manufacturing operation, Parker Hannifin Corporation, will be expanding their presence in the County of Montcalm, Village of Lakeview. At least 46 full time and salaried jobs will be created. The new 30,000 square foot building will house the company’s business operations currently located in Ohio. The company plans for better efficiencies and opportunities for their “Fluid System Connectors Division”, with this new Michigan endeavor and to augment their current presence in Lakeview, established in 1976, with 116 workers employed at its existing Tamarack Road factory.