Downtown Grand Rapids is getting a facelift with several new residential development projects taking place that will enhance the overall quality of living for residents with more options for downtown Grand Rapids condos and apartment living. Some locations, untouched for years, are seeing redevelopment to modernize living to fit that urban uptown appearance. The Morton House and the Rowe Hotel, both hotspot hotels in the early 1900s, have sat vacant for years. The Morton House, also dubbed the Morton Hotel in its glory days, became bankrupt in 1970, while the Rowe Hotel became a retirement home called Olds Manor in the ‘60s and closed more than 12 years ago. Now, construction companies are redefining the Grand Rapids area with a revamp of these historic sites, bringing them back to life along with other newly renovated mixed-use properties in the works.

Olds Manor – “The Rowe”

Olds Manor will soon reclaim its name as “The Rowe,” with an entire restoration of the historic building’s original look. The project includes five condos on the 10th floor, and three condos on the recently created 11th floor (sold). The five condos on the 10th floor will include two 1-bedroom units, two 2-bedroom units, and one 3-bedroom unit.

The mixed-use space will include retail on the ground floor and 77-market rate apartments throughout the remaining floors. With the issue of a parking shortage at Olds Manor, CWD Real Estate, with the help of other redevelopment companies, will install 48 parking spaces on the two levels beneath the building for residents. This property is expected to be available summer 2016.

The Morton House – “The Morton”

With more than ninety years of history rooted into the walls of The Morton House, Rockford Construction will introduce the “The Morton” to modern living in downtown Grand Rapids. The mixed-use space will include an array of amenities, services, and retail in a sophisticated environment with a fitness center, free WiFi, and state-of-the-art security system and access control.

Luxury condominiums on the 12th and penthouse floors range from 1,200 to 2,900 square feet. Exact details on these condos are not yet available.

“The Morton is situated right in the heart of downtown directly on Monroe Center,” said Mike Mraz, Partner, Real Estate Development at Rockford Construction. “This project is one of the last major renovations needed in the central business district, and we are excited to bring new life to this iconic building.”

Mraz said that Rockford has played a major role in revitalizing Monroe Center, and are proud to restore The Morton into an attractive living option for people who want to live downtown.

The location is set to be available this September, 2015. For more information on The Morton, visit their website www.themortongr.com.

Arena Place

This contemporary mixed-use space is conveniently located directly across from the Van Andel Arena. The 11-story building will include 101 market-rate one- and two-bedroom apartments spread across six floors. Details on condo availability is still limited, but we will update once that information becomes available.

To learn more about Arena Place, visit their website at www.arenaplacegr.com.