Kara Wood: That goes back to 2017 when the Destination Asset Study was unveiled. And there was a group of community leaders that came together to commission that study that looked at the next 10 years of Grand Rapids growth and what would be needed to continue that momentum and propel us into the future. And so, as part of that study, a professional soccer presence in West Michigan and downtown Grand Rapids was called out in that report.
Patrick Center: And it does take a lot of time and effort to make sure something like this would be sustainable. I'm sure you've been asked a number of questions and you're reaching out to the community. One thing I've been hearing, perhaps you have too, and that is, is there a demand or a soccer community to support a stadium? And what have you found?
Kara Wood: Well, yes, we've done a lot of feasibility analysis sites, the economics, etc. But from an overall fan and enthusiast perspective, Houseman Field was hosting 7,000 fans for soccer previously. And so there is a strong interest in soccer in West Michigan and certainly we are a hotbed of soccer talent. So, there's reason to believe that there's huge interest in having a professional soccer presence here in West Michigan. And that also has been validated by the professional leagues themselves saying that, yes, that the presence in Grand Rapids would be a welcome one. And they're very interested in having a team in our area.
Patrick Center: The USL (United Soccer League) reached out. There is a team available. What is the latest on bringing an actual team in and an ownership group?
Kara Wood: Well, we're not involved in any of the team activities. And in fact until we have a stadium, there won't be a team. So, we're focused solely in building a stadium.
Patrick Center: Let's talk about the stadium. The renderings are out. The public can see them. There are three new renderings. It's really striking and it will be located next to the YMCA downtown and along US-131. The effort and time that has gone into this design. Take our listeners through that and how progressive AE who is designing this, how this all comes together and who's involved in that process.
Kara Wood: So, we started with the feasibility analysis and looking at sites. We began a conceptual design process that looked at the requirements of professional leagues so that we could ensure that players from youth to professional could perform there and enjoy that space, but also making sure that it's a multi-sport facility. And so, the conceptual design was started back in 2022 and has continued since. We are in the design development phase currently, and as a part of the due diligence on the site we're currently proposing, there's been a lot of community engagement. We've worked on land assembly. We're looking at all of the utilities and traffic. Making sure that the site is adequate for the type of facility that is being considered. Right now, the seating capacity is 8,500 seats with the room to grow to 11,000. And if all goes well with the planning commission in late March, that will help us solidify the site and continue the work to construction grounds.
Patrick Center: How would you describe it? What does it look like? What other stadiums does it compare to?
Kara Wood: Well, I think that's one of the things that Grand Action 2.0 is really focused on is having iconic structures that the region can be proud of. And this stadium certainly sets itself apart from the rest of the nation and will be one of the finest professional soccer stadiums in the U.S.
Patrick Center: You've reached out to the community. What have some of the concerns been and how have you addressed them?
Kara Wood: Well, certainly there have been concerns about parking and traffic. Any time you take a surface parking lot and construct something on it, it's adding density, its adding volume. But we've been assured by the city professionals that the traffic and road infrastructure is adequately able to serve a facility of the size and height and that the remaining parking that's still available once the lots are built on can provide the necessary parking needed for event days. And so, I think what's interesting is we've looked at within a 15-minute walking radius, there are over 16,000 spaces available. And even when you look at event days that might include performances at DeVos or at the amphitheater or at the arena, there is still yet enough parking to serve all of the venues. So, the nice thing is that the infrastructure is adequate to serve the venue.
Patrick Center: I've read through the submission to the city and the need for 2,400 parking spaces. I did a little research on my own and there's Dash Lot 9 nearby. Grand Valley State University has a deck and some surface parking nearby. I came up with over 1,900 spaces just there alone. And that's about a, maybe a five-to-10-minute walk. Are you talking with, or have you already spoken with Grand Valley about a parking partnership to alleviate some of these issues?
Kara Wood: Yes, we have. And specifically, we've also talked with YMCA to ensure that their patrons have adequate access to parking and ensure that the existing uses aren't being put at a disadvantage.
Patrick Center: So, for those YMCA members, what is their alternative? Where will they be parking?
Kara Wood: It's likely that they will park across the street in the Grand Valley ramp.
Patrick Center: Do you have all the parcels in place or are there still pieces that need to be purchased to make this happen?
Kara Wood: Well, there are certainly some streets that need to be vacated should the site be confirmed. And we do have some agreements to work out with some of the property owners, but for the most part, we have at least verbal agreement with all of them should the special land use approval go forward.
Patrick Center: What are the next steps with this project? I know you have a timeline and opening this in 2026. So, what happens next?
Kara Wood: So, we're going to wrap up the final meetings in the neighborhoods around the engagement. And then we would go to the planning commission, hopefully the end of March for consideration of that special land use approval. That's a pretty key decision point for us, because if we are able to achieve that, then we can begin to allow the portion of our schedule. So, we are working from here until that time to make sure that the community's questions are answered and that we've provided content on our website that people can access and look forward to that final public comment and planning commission meeting and their decision at that point.
Patrick Center: How exciting is for you and your team?
Kara Wood: This is really exciting. And I think more so for the community. There are a lot of young people and residents that are really excited about professional soccer and soccer in general. So, we are really thrilled with the turnout. We had over 300 participants in the community engagement sessions so far. And we believe that we're coming in the right direction, hopefully building something that everyone can be proud of.
Patrick Center: What do you like about this location?
Kara Wood: I like the fact that it's walkable to downtown and also presents a great opportunity for the near west side business districts to see more foot traffic and experience new patrons that they may not have experienced before. And just a real nice opportunity for growth. It also provides the buffer between downtown and the single-family housing and more importantly the catalyst for new housing. We all know that the housing need in Grand Rapids is great and these projects will be a great introduction.
Patrick Center: Where do you suspect the funding will come from? Because this is separate from what we're seeing with the county stepping in with $15 million for the amphitheater. How is the funding model structured for this particular project?
Kara Wood: For this project, it too is a public-private partnership. So significant portions of private funding through lead donor with naming rights and additional philanthropy coming to the table to leverage public funding that would likely come through the form of hotel/motel tax funding.
Patrick Center: Grand Action 2.0 executive director, Kara Wood, thank you so much for your time. We appreciate it.
Kara Wood: Thank you, Patrick.